Why the misleadingly named “Internet Freedom Act” threatens innovation and open access online
Net neutrality ensures a level playing field for all online services and content
For most internet users, the term “net neutrality” might sound like technical jargon, but its implications affect everyone who uses the web. Net neutrality represents a fundamental principle that has shaped the internet as we know it: the idea that all online traffic should be treated equally by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Despite its critical importance to internet freedom and innovation, net neutrality faces continuous challenges from powerful telecommunications companies and their political allies. One such challenge came in the form of the misleadingly named “Internet Freedom Act” — legislation that, despite its positive-sounding title, would have undermined the open internet rather than protected it.
The following video explains the core principles of net neutrality and why maintaining these protections is essential for an innovative, accessible internet:
Understanding Net Neutrality: The Internet as a “Dumb Pipe”
Net neutrality is nothing new if you are a geek. We want the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) of the Internet to be nothing more than a “dumb pipe.” What that means is we don’t want the ISPs to be able to control what we are able to access, how fast we can access what we paid for, and they should offer the service at a reasonable price.
This principle ensures that internet users can access all websites, applications, and services without interference from their ISP. No throttling connections to competing services, no blocking legal content, and no paid prioritization that creates “fast lanes” for companies that can afford to pay extra.
As John Wilbanks explains in the video above, net neutrality represents our “rights as an Internet user, and we should have a right as an Internet user to have access to a neutral architecture that lets us innovate with no more restrictions than fulfilling the technical protocols.”
This neutral architecture has been the foundation of the internet’s explosive growth and innovation. Without net neutrality, many of today’s most popular services might never have emerged, as they could have been throttled or blocked by established competitors who controlled internet infrastructure.
The Irony of the “Internet Freedom Act”
I am against the Internet Freedom Act, and that might surprise you if you are not familiar with what the act actually stands for. I mean, I give credit for naming the act something that people would oppose just by the name of it. Who would want to vote against Internet Freedom, right?
The reality behind this cleverly named legislation tells a different story. Introduced by Senator John McCain, the Internet Freedom Act would have prohibited the FCC from regulating the Internet, effectively removing the agency’s ability to enforce net neutrality principles.
The irony runs deep: McCain, who once admitted he didn’t know how to use the internet, proposed legislation that would fundamentally alter how it works. Meanwhile, telecommunications companies—which had contributed significantly to McCain’s campaign—stood to benefit tremendously from the removal of net neutrality regulations.
Without FCC oversight, broadband providers would gain the power to control internet traffic in ways that benefit their bottom line rather than consumers or innovation. This represents a fundamental shift away from the open internet model that has fostered unprecedented technological growth and democratized information access.
The Real-World Impact: When ISPs Control Content
What does an internet without net neutrality protections look like in practice? The implications extend far beyond abstract policy debates and directly affect the services you use every day.
What McCain was essentially proposing is that broadband providers could limit the traffic to certain sites and protocols if they so desired. For instance, many of you probably use Skype to talk to your friends and loved ones online. Well, media companies and ISPs don’t like Skype because it allows you to have something for free which they would love to charge you for.
Examples of Net Neutrality Violations
- Voice over IP throttling: ISPs slowing down Skype and other VoIP services that compete with their own phone services
- Content blocking: Preventing access to applications or websites that compete with an ISP’s own offerings
- Packet dropping: Terminating connections to certain protocols or services sporadically, making them unreliable
- Paid prioritization: Creating “fast lanes” for companies that pay extra, leaving everyone else in the “slow lane”
What some ISPs have done and are still doing today is throttling your connection and even dropping packets, so your Skype call or BitTorrent connection is terminated sporadically. Without net neutrality protections, these practices could become standard operating procedure rather than controversial exceptions.
The Political Battle: Where Officials Stand
Net neutrality has become a politically divisive issue, with clear differences in approach between political parties and individual politicians. Understanding who supports what position helps clarify the landscape of this crucial policy debate.
While Senator McCain championed legislation that would prevent net neutrality enforcement, President Obama took the opposite stance, voicing strong support for maintaining an open internet with enforceable net neutrality protections.
The contrast between these positions highlights a broader philosophical difference: should the internet be regulated as a public utility with equal access guarantees, or should it be left to market forces that may prioritize profit over open access?
The following video further illustrates the disconnect between policymakers proposing internet legislation and their actual understanding of how the technology works:
Why This Matters: The Internet’s Future at Stake
The debate over net neutrality is fundamentally about what kind of internet we want for our future. Will it remain an open platform where new services can emerge and compete on their merits? Or will it become a more controlled environment where access and speed depend on deals between ISPs and content providers?
If you love the Internet and you want innovation of technology to continue flourishing, maintaining strong net neutrality protections is essential. The internet has thrived precisely because it has been a level playing field where a small startup can compete with established giants based on the quality of their ideas rather than the size of their bank account.
The battle for net neutrality continues to evolve, with telecommunication companies and their allies persistently seeking ways to weaken protections while advocates work to defend the open internet. Staying informed and engaged on this issue is crucial for anyone who values the internet as we know it.
Join the Conversation
Have you noticed any examples of your internet service provider treating some content differently than others? What’s your position on net neutrality regulations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!