The principle of equal treatment of Internet content looks set to disappear. The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday that it will propose new rules that would allow companies like Disney, Google and Netflix to pay Internet service providers for special “expressways” to send videos and other content to Internet users.
The proposed changes are set to affect so-called "net neutrality," which states that there is no discrimination in the provision of legal content to Internet users.
Tom Wheeler, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, defended the proposal, noting that the new rules would ensure the preservation of "net neutrality," as provided for by the federal appeals court's decision.
However, the new regulations, analysts say, will likely mark a new, different era for the Internet and how its content ends up on a user's computer screen.
A small new company that makes games, for example, will not be able to secure an "expressway" to gamers, who will quickly lose interest in its products.
Under the new rules, companies like Disney and Netflix will pay a higher price for the "expressways" and will apparently pass this cost on to users.
Consumer groups have responded strongly to the new proposals, saying they will increase the cost of using the Internet and allow large, financially successful companies with the resources to pay providers to have an advantage over small, new companies. It is possible that the next Facebook or Twitter may never be born because of this new reality.
Broadband providers have previously claimed the right to build “fast lanes.” This time, the proposal would require them to disclose how they handle all Internet traffic and under what conditions they offer “fast lanes,” while requiring them to act with “sound commercial sense.” The new rules would also require all ISPs to disclose whether they have favored any of their affiliates that provide content by providing “fast lanes.” But opponents of the commission’s proposals insist they are full of loopholes, and the term “sound commercial sense” is open to many interpretations.
Source: kathimerini.gr
