Whether you agree or disagree with the basic concepts of net neutrality it is hard to argue against the need for regulation. As major companies have proven over and over again through out our history, an industry without enforceable regulation will find a way to take advantage of the consumer. I was a little shocked when I found out about the practice of some companies slowing connections to certain sites with the intention of manipulating which sites their customers would use. It makes me wonder if this happens more often then we are aware.
My main issue isn't even with what should be allowed and what shouldn't be allowed, my issue is with the deceptive practices being used. If Time Warner was to announce tomorrow that starting next month there would be an additional "premium" charge for connecting to Google, they have every right to do that as an Internet service provider. However as a consumer I also have every right to decide to switch to a different provider that does not charge any additional premiums to connect to the sites that I choose to connect to.
The idea that the Internet is some sort of a right that should be protected is a little off base. Internet is an optional service just like cable, satellite TV, and cell phones. The fact that we have become so dependant on these services does not change the fact that they are optional. Back to my earlier point regulation is needed to make sure there is no deceptive practices and that consumers know exactly what they are paying for. Service providers have the right to charge what they want for the services they provide and consumers have the right to know what they are being charged for.
Below is my first attempt at a Wordle, it was pretty interesting I can t wait to play with it a little more.
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