Last updated at Tue, 26 Dec 2023 19:36:05 GMT
On Monday, Rapid7 will host Senator Edward J. Markey and a group of technology and business leaders from across Massachusetts as we stand in support of net neutrality. Together, we’ll affirm our commitment to a free and open internet that promotes growth and innovation and gives all users broad access to internet content.
At the heart of net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers must treat all content transmitted across the internet equally. In practice, this means that ISPs can’t block, throttle, or charge extra fees for different users, types of content, or methods of communication. Websites and other content providers are able to control the content that appears on their platforms, but the telecom companies that control access to the internet can’t discriminate against certain types of lawful content by delivering it at extra cost or a different speed; no byte of data gets preferred treatment over another.
On December 14th, the commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission are expected to dismantle net neutrality requirements by reversing the 2015 Open Internet Order that put net neutrality rules into effect. Repealing these rules paves the way for internet service providers to block and throttle content or create pay-for-play internet “fast lanes”—which would translate to less freely-available content for internet users, higher costs for content creators, and business practices that favor the interests of the highest bidders instead of the practical needs of many.
Net neutrality is a cornerstone of a fair and open internet. Repealing it undermines competition, reduces opportunity, and curtails the innovation that makes the internet a fundamental tool for connection, growth, and expression. Permitting network providers to favor certain types of legitimate content over others is contrary to the spirit and tradition of the internet—and to pro-growth business policy.
Senator Markey has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with many of his colleagues in the Senate, along with technology leaders and advocacy groups across Massachusetts, and advocated strongly to protect net neutrality. On Monday, we’ll stand in our Boston headquarters with Senator Markey and our friends at Carbonite, Fight for the Future, Underscore, and the New England Venture Capital Association to make a clear statement to the FCC and the public: Keep the internet open and free.
If net neutrality rules are rolled back next week, future live streams might not be included in your internet package.
