Net Neutrality in the 21st Century: Are We Really Safe?

One common misconception is that net neutrality in the U.S. disappeared due to political changes. It is often believed that without net neutrality, everything would fall apart. However, despite the claims, the internet has endured, and the world carried on without incident. In fact, the situation is much more complex and troubling than assumed.

The Myths of Net Neutrality's End

Many people still believe that net neutrality was abandoned or its protections dismantled, particularly after changes in government policies. While it's true that net neutrality experienced challenges, the internet and the services it provides have not been entirely disrupted. If anything, the world has adapted and, in some cases, stagnated in terms of competition and innovation.

Current State of the Internet: Dominance and Control

Far from a free and open platform, the current internet is deeply controlled and owned by a few powerful corporations. Here’s a closer look at who these players are and how they dominate the digital landscape:

Dominance of Multinational Corporations

The internet is not regulated or owned by the public. Instead, it is mostly controlled by a handful of multinational corporations with immense financial power. These companies are involved in a wide range of activities, such as hosting, payment processing, domain name systems, backbone infrastructure, and content distribution. They operate together to maintain their market dominance and prevent any potential competitors from disrupting their business model.

Multicorporate Unity and Collaboration

These large corporations not only dominate individually but also work closely together. Their cooperation is so seamless that it seems almost organic. This unity extends to their interactions with the mass media, which is heavily dependent on digital channels. The media relies on digital platforms for advertising, revenue, and distribution. This interdependence further strengthens the grip of these corporations on the internet.

Political Influence and Campaign Contributions

The companies' political influence is quite influential. Through substantial campaign contributions and other financial ties, they have significant sway over politicians. These politicians, in turn, legislate in ways that benefit these corporations. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the corporations continue to control the internet without much opposition.

The Impact on Consumers and Innovation

The cost of this dominance is significant, both for consumers and for the future of innovation. Consumers face higher prices for bandwidth, while companies with the heaviest bandwidth use continue to reap enormous profits. This disparity means that consumers shoulder a higher burden, while these large companies consolidate their power and restrict competition.

The question then arises: are we truly better off? The answer, unfortunately, is that we are not. The very entities that should serve the public have become the gatekeepers of the internet. In this system, competition is stifled, and innovation is limited.

What Can Be Done?

While the current situation appears grim, there are steps that can be taken to reclaim the internet and ensure it remains a place of freedom and innovation. Advocacy, public awareness, and policy changes are necessary to challenge the dominant players and ensure a more equitable internet.

Calling for stricter regulations and promoting transparency in the internet ecosystem are important steps. Public pressure can also drive corporations to be more accountable and less monopolistic. By staying informed and engaged, we can work towards a more open and fair internet for everyone.

In conclusion, while the internet may seem robust, its current state is marked by a lack of true competition and a severe imbalance. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial to preserving the digital freedoms that we value.