What Can You Do to Protect Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality remains a critical issue for many internet users around the world. While the concept is relatively well-entrenched in the United States, the fight to protect it continues. This article explores actionable steps you can take to support net neutrality, whether through personal choices or broader political engagement.

Market-Based Solutions

The easiest way to contribute to the protection of net neutrality is through your purchasing decisions. By choosing to support internet service providers (ISPs) that uphold net neutrality principles, you can drive positive change. For example, Sonic Networks, an ISP based in California, is a strong advocate for net neutrality and offers fiber-to-the-home internet services. Supporting companies like Sonic can send a powerful message to other ISPs and demonstrate demand for net neutrality.

What Can the Average Joe Do?

While there aren’t many straightforward actions the average individual can take to directly save net neutrality, there are still ways to participate in the conversation:

Write to your representatives: Reach out to your senators, representatives, and state legislators. Expressing your concerns can help raise awareness and encourage further action. Support legal challenges: Donate money to organizations that are taking legal action to delay or cancel decisions to repeal net neutrality. Legal challenges can provide a crucial delay until more comprehensive legislative solutions are in place. Choose non-discriminatory ISPs: Select internet service providers that do not discriminate against data flows. This not only supports net neutrality but also improves your own internet experience.

Net Neutrality in Other Jurisdictions

It's worth noting that net neutrality is not universally protected. For instance, the United Kingdom has already seen net neutrality eroded. This serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of why continuous vigilance is necessary.

Advocating for Net Neutrality

Here are some additional steps you can take to advocate for net neutrality:

Donate to advocacy groups: Consider donating money to organizations that are dedicated to preserving net neutrality. Financial support can fund legal battles and grassroots campaigns. Encourage politicians: Write to your congressmen and senators, urging them to enshrine net neutrality in law. Active campaigning for politicians who have net neutrality as a key part of their agenda can also make a difference. Vote strategically: Support the political party and candidates that prioritize net neutrality in their platforms. Voting can have a long-term impact on the legislative landscape. Lobby for citizen-centric platforms: Advocate for politicians to place citizens at the forefront of their platforms and policies, rather than corporate interests alone.

Conclusion

While the fight for net neutrality may seem daunting, there are still meaningful steps you can take. By making informed choices, supporting legal challenges, and advocating for change, you can contribute to the collective effort to protect an open and fair internet. Together, we can continue to push for a future where net neutrality remains a cornerstone of a free and open internet.