The Stream

Will a US vote be the end of the internet as we know it?

A battle over net neutrality in the United States is being closely watched around the world.

A fight over the internet in the United States is reaching a fever pitch as the Federal Communications Commission votes this week on whether or not to roll back Obama-era regulations that protect net neutrality – the principle that everyone has the right to freely use the internet without interference from corporations. 

 

There’s little debate about net neutrality itself. Almost everyone agrees with the principle on merit, but not everyone agrees with the best way to protect it. 

 

Opponents of the current rules say they cripple innovation and limit the ability to improve internet infrastructure. Those in favour of the regulations say scrapping them would give too much control over the internet to the government and big corporations, which could hurt already marginalised communities. 

 

Some activists are saying it could be the end of the internet as we know it. Are they right? The Stream discusses with a panel of experts on Tuesday.
 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

 

Gigi Sohn, @gigibsohn

Fellow, Open Society Foundations

 

Tom Struble, @tstruble

Technology Policy Manager, R Street Institute

 

Malkia Cyril, @culturejedi

Founder and executive director, Center for Media Justice

 

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.