In a significant shift in the landscape of digital liberty, a new bill has been passed that introduces heightened government regulation over the Internet in the United States. This development marks a departure from the traditional stance of regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which have historically been seen as protectors of internet freedom.
The passage of this bill aligns with the concerns previously raised by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Carr had warned of the potential for a scenario resembling internet censorship in China, where the government exercises extensive control over online content. With this new legislation, the federal government gains substantial authority to dictate what content remains accessible on the internet, irrespective of its truthfulness or falsehood.
Revisiting the Net Neutrality Repeal and Its Aftermath
The context of this change can be traced back to the evolution of the internet landscape in recent years. In 2015, the FCC adopted "net neutrality" under Title 2, vowing to shield consumers from unfair internet service rate adjustments. However, this was overturned in 2017, leading to a period of less government intervention in Internet affairs and a measurable enhancement of consumer freedoms regarding Internet service charges.
The newly passed bill, however, signals a reversal of this trend. It not only reinstates the principles of Title 2 but also potentially amplifies government involvement in the internet domain. This shift is seen as bolstering the influence of Big Tech companies, which have long maintained a close relationship with the federal government. Critics argue that this will lead to an erosion of entrepreneurial spirit and monopolized control over the internet by Big Tech firms, supported by government backing.
Impact on Consumers and the Future of Internet Freedom
This legislation presents a stark contrast to the government's claims of offering more reliable, high-quality, and affordable internet services. Critics view these promises as misleading, suggesting that the real outcome will be increased surveillance and control over users' data and online activities. With the new bill, the combined forces of Big Tech and the federal government are set to decide the boundaries of online expression, mirroring the controlled internet environment seen in countries like China.
In response to these developments, companies like American Cloud are playing a part in advocating for a free and open internet, believing that your data deserves better. The internet we know today came into being with American values at the foundation. American Cloud is doing its best to keep it that way with a reliable, sustainable, cost-effective, and ultra-secure cloud computing solution to help you run your mission-critical infrastructure without unjust regulation, interruptions, or unnecessary complexity.
