Will Net Neutrality Save the Internet?

YouTube
Dec. 21, 2010

Advocates say that "Net Neutrality" will "save the Internet."

But does the Internet need saving?

Net Neutrality is a proposed set of regulatory powers that would grant the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to control how Internet service providers (ISPs) package their services. Proponents argue that such rules are necessary to ensure that ISPs treat all data on the Internet equally and don't slow or even restrict access to various websites and other parts of the Internet.

However well-intentioned, the practical effect will be to limit consumer choice and grant the federal government unprecedented power over the Internet, all in the name of fixing a problem that doesn't exist in any meaningful way (http://reason.com/blog/2010/02/24/recently-at-reasontv-net-neutr). Indeed, examples of the behavior that Net Neutrality will combat are few and far between.

Approximately 4 minutes. Produced and animated by Austin Bragg. Written by Zach Weissmueller.

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Related videos: "Net Neutrality for Dummies" (http://reason.com/blog/2010/02/24/recently-at-reasontv-net-neutr) and "Nick Gillespie Talks Net Neutrality, Teen Mags, & More" (http://reason.com/blog/2010/12/11/nick-gillespie-on-techcrunchtv).