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Net neutrality today is a hotter topic than ever, and, as usual, the two main political parties of the United States have staked opposite sides in the struggle.

The Controversial Divide

The issue of net neutrality has been controversial since the birth of the World Wide Web. Those in favor of regulated neutrality, including the World Wide Web founder Tim Berners-Lee, maintain that neutrality is crucial to the continued success of the web. The basic principle of net neutrality is that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all websites equally, without favoring any sources of information over others.

The invention of the World Wide Web ushered in a new era of freedom of and expression, and much of this innovation was due to net neutrality. For the first time, anyone around with world with web access could exchange information and share their thoughts and ideas with anyone else around the world.

Net Neutrality Is in Danger

Today, that system is in danger. While net neutrality in the US used to be protected by the FCC, those regulations were recently overturned in federal court. Now ISPs are legally able to manipulate and censor web traffic by slowing down or blocking access to certain websites. Some ISPs have already taken advantage of that power, like when AT&T censored a live streaming Pearl Jam performance, or when Comcast blocked file transfers that used file-sharing software like Bittorrent.

Since the federal court struck down net neutrality, politicians in the US have been arguing both sides. While Democrats argue for regulating ISPs to ensure that every site is treated equally, Republicans argue that regulations will stifle investment income and prevent ISPs from making money. The fight for net neutrality has led to a standoff today, with the American people being divided on either side of the issue.

Net Neutrality and the Future

Net neutrality is an issue that affects the future of the entire Internet and the freedom of information exchange. If you want to do your part in fighting for Internet freedom, start by learning about the history of this struggle below, and how you can take a stand and make a difference.

Democrats vs. Republicans: the Battle for Net Neutrality

The future of the internet is at stake. The US government is embroiled in a tug-of-war over net neutrality. But how will this battle end?

Democrats Party Republicans 1792 Founded in 1854 Franklin D Roosevelt John F Kennedy Barack Obama Notable members Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt Ronald Reagan Women’s suffrage Organized labor The New Deal Civil Rights Pivotal party moments Abolition of slavery Laissez-faire capitalism Civil Rights 199 Seats in Congress 233 53 Seats in Senate 45 For Stance on Net Neutrality Against All internet traffic should be treated equally – and government is there to ensure it. Main argument Net neutrality will restrict the free market – and government shouldn’t intervene in an already open internet. The Battle So Far “ is a necessary response to verifiable instances of ISPs discriminating against users based on the applications they use .” —Senator Al Franken February 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $7.2 billion investment is set aside for broadband infrastructure – with a stipulation on openness. Win for: Democrats “These new regulatory mandates and restrictions could stifle investment incentives.” —Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson “If Congress can’t act, the FCC must.” —Congressman Henry Waxman December 2010 FCC’s Open Internet Order Blocking and unreasonable discrimination of web access is prohibited. Win for: Democrats “This would harm investment, stifle innovation, and lead to job losses.” —Senator Mitch McConnell “Without net neutrality there would be nothing to prevent ISPs from charging users a premium in order to use the fast lane.” —Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller IV November 2011 Net neutrality repeal blocked House Republicans push for a net neutrality ban but Senate Democrats win a vote preventing the ban passing. Win for: Democrats “The internet has been the cradle of innovation, it does not have a problem, and it does not need fixing.” —Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison “This decision threatens network neutrality standards that help internet entrepreneurs compete on a level playing field with established companies.” —Senator Tom Udall January 2014 Net neutrality rule overturned DC Circuit Court of Appeals strikes down the FCC’s Open Internet Order. Win for: Republicans “This decision sends a strong message to federal agencies that may attempt to direct by regulation that which is not authorized by Congress.” —Congressman John McCain “Our bill ensures that consumers can continue to access the content and applications of their online choosing.” —Congressman Henry Waxman February 2014 Open Internet Preservation Act Democrats introduce bill to reinstate net neutrality rules. Win for: Democrats “Federal control of the internet will restrict our online freedom.” —Congressman Marsha Blackburn “Sanctioning paid prioritization would allow discrimination and irrevocably change the internet as we know it.” —Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren in a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler May 2014 FCC proposes new Open Internet rule All pay-for-priority deals are against the rule until a company can prove it has a legitimate reason for prioritizing traffic. Win for: neither ‘No block’ rule now revived under new legal justification but ISPs can still charge for ‘fast lane’ access. “The Obama administration refuses to abandon its furious pursuit of these harmful policies to put government in charge of the web.” —Congressman Greg Walden and Congressman Fred Upton

Until the government defines what ISPs can and cannot do, the future of the free and open internet remains in jeopardy.

But what do the US people want?

For net neutrality: 55%

Against net neutrality: 45%

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