Net Neutrality Is Still An Important Issue
Written by Brian Garst, Posted in Free Markets, Government Meddling
Net neutrality is a “solution” seeking a problem. Contrary to the excess of doom mongering from certain corners, there is no evidence that an absence of government control will result in an internet where data and information discrimination is the norm. The evidence suggests just the opposite, in fact, as internet censorship across the world is always a product of government influence or control.
There is no potential problem that, lacking a government enforced net neutrality standard, market competition cannot handle. If an ISP were to slow down access to a particular website because that site owner did not pay a kickback fee, or because the ISP objected to its content for political – or any other – reasons, the public outcry would be tremendous. Customers would flee that company in droves, and it would be promptly put out of business. There is no check more powerful than that of free consumer choice.