Protect net neutrality
On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Federal Communications Commission may roll back net neutrality protections put into place in 2015.
What is net neutrality? The American Library Association defines net neutrality as “the concept of online non-discrimination.” It means that internet service providers cannot discriminate and control accessibility to certain websites, streaming media, and information on the internet.
Eliminating net neutrality protections would give internet service providers control over all of the information that is available via the internet, making information access a privilege rather than a right. It means your internet service provider could decide because it has a deal with Hulu, that it will not allow you to access Netflix.
It also means that internet service providers could start charging for the speed at which people have access to certain content on the internet, further marginalizing our most vulnerable internet users and populations who cannot afford to pay more.
Net neutrality preserves our right to communicate freely using the internet. It means that companies cannot determine what you have access to even if they do not agree with the opinions expressed. The elimination of net neutrality undermines our democracy.
The Hawaii State Public Library System is committed to free and equal access to information. We encourage you to contact your representatives in the US Congress to voice your opinion regarding the repeal of Net Neutrality. Additionally, you can contact the FCC directly to voice your concerns.
For more information, visit the ALA website on net neutrality issues at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/telecom/netneutrality.
To contact the FCC, visit the FCC’s Contact page: https://www.fcc.gov/about/contact
To contact your representatives in the US Congress: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Michelle Young, Makana Waiamau, David Thorp, Janet Perea, Jemuel Laymance-Drake, Carolyn Larson, Lani Kawahara, Sierra Hampton-Eng, William DeSalvo, Katherine Bengston, Casey Agena, Branch managers for the Hawaii State Public Library System’s Kauai branches (Waimea, Koloa, Hanapepe, Lihue, Kapaa, and Princeville)
