Obama Pushes For Net Neutrality To Allow Consumers To Browse ‘Unregulated’ Content
The U.S. President Barack Obama has called for "net neutrality" which will apparently protect a consumer's right to access all kinds of content. Broadband companies will no longer be able to control the access and speed of its customers, according to the new regulations.
The Federal Communications Commission is expected to treat broadband services as a utility so that customers can access everything without fearing the possibility of being controlled by someone else. Obama said in his video message on Monday that Internet service providers should not be allowed to restrict consumers from viewing any content. He suggested that the FCC should come up with new regulations which would protect net neutrality and ensure that neither the phone company nor the cable company could "act as a gatekeeper."
The Obama call, on the other hand, did not impress everyone. Senator Ted Cruz posted his reaction on Twitter on Monday. He made fun of Obama's proposal of banning paid-for "fast-lane" access. "The Internet should not operate at the speed of government," Cruz tweeted. According to Obama's proposals, content providers are subject to slower Internet transmission if they refuse to pay extra, USA Today reported. However, Cruz's tweet may represent how a number of people have misinterpreted Obama's proposal.
MSNBC reported that advocates of net neutrality were "thrilled" to know that the U.S. president had finally voiced his opinion on the matter. According to Free Press CEO Craig Aaron, Obama may have saved the Internet at the moment it was in the greatest jeopardy. Obama promised during his campaign trails in 2008 and 2012 that he would ensure net neutrality. He was, in fact, criticised in January for not fulfilling what he had promised. The FCC said in April that ISPs would be allowed to decide which content moved fastest online.
Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said that Obama's support for net neutrality showed that he understood the importance of the issue. According to Copps, that is how the infrastructure should be in the 21st century. Obama said in the video message that Internet had become an essential part for most Americans. He asked the FCC to recognise that Americans used Internet for everyday communications in everyday life. "The FCC should reclassify consumer broadband service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act," he said.
Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au
