Tim Wu, famous for coining the term Net Neutrality, is a legal scholar and expert in the field of internet law. In an attempt to preserve Net Neutrality, Wu proposed an anti discrimination plan to allow broadband companies to use connections in a privately beneficial way without being publicly detrimental (Wu 23). Wu tries to balance the ISPs ability to run their companies the way they want; however, at the same time his plan protects the rights of the users. Wu’s views on Net Neutrality also include regulating the ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act (Wu 23). Seeing the FCC follow Wu’s highly respected opinions about the issue show promise for the future of the internet.
Another Net Neutrality expert Marvin Ammori has said that “Washington faces a simple choice: allow the Internet to remain an a engine of innovation, a platform for speech in even the harshest tyrannies, and a unified connection for people across the globe — or cede control of the Internet to service providers motivated by their parochial interests” (Ammori 1). He urges Washington to intervene and stop allowing ISPs to abuse their power over the internet. Like Wu, Ammori defends net neutrality and believes the only way to preserve the internet is through government regulation. Below are ways to ensure the government represents the views of internet users across the country.
“TOM-WHEELER” Copyright: Fair use. http://radio.krcb.org/post/net-neutrality-victory-consumers#stream/0
Ways to Contribute
As the battle to preserve Net Neutrality continues into Congress one of the easiest ways to do your part is to contact your local congressperson. While legislation in congress could undermine the FCC’s ruling it is important to stay vocal about data equality.
By visiting “Freepress Action Fund” , you can easily tell your congressperson to defend Net Neutrality and protect the views of their constituents.
If this action isn’t enough, there is always the option of meeting with your congress member. To learn more about setting up a meeting, be sure to read these “In-District Meeting FAQs” This webpage gives valuable information on requesting a meeting, preparing for it, and what to do to make it impactful. While signing petitions is important, a one-on-one meeting could make a real difference in congress.
Citations
Ammori, Marvin. “The Case For Net Neutrality.” Foreign Affairs 93.4 (2014): 62. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.
Wu, Tim. “Network Neutrality, Broadband Discrimination.” Journal of Telecommunications and High Technology Law 2 (2005): 145-51. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.