The Pros And Cons Of Net Neutrality

The net neutrality debate is examined by first being placed in current day context, followed by an examination of both the affirmative and negative arguments. Focus is placed on defining net neutrality, and analyzing the role market competition plays in ensuring net neutrality. Possible impacts on future innovations involving the internet and its openness are also considered. Based on these examinations, possible government policies and actions that can be implemented are recommended.

Introduction
Net neutrality is the idea that all content on the internet should be treated equally (Schewick, 2009). This means that ISP’s cannot discriminate against content by slowing down content they do not agree with or charging internet companies more to have certain content delivered faster (Schewick, 2009). Net neutrality has been the unspoken standard since the creation of the internet. This is because, when the internet was first created, ISP’s did not have the technology to determine which content was going through their network (Schewick, 2009). Since then, technology has improved and ISP’s now have the ability to determine which content is going through their network and effect its delivery to the end user (Schewick, 2009).
In recent years, there have been concerns about whether net neutrality will continue to be upheld by ISP’s (Schewick, 2009). This
There is also a general disagreement among what the outcomes and effects of net neutrality will be on ISPs, the internet and consumers. For example, proponents state that market competition and anti-competitive laws are not enough to ensure net neutrality. On the other hand, opponents of net neutrality claim that the current standards are sufficient. Not to mention, both sides argue that their methods will encourage innovations while the alternative limits