The FCC has recently decided to put an end to Net Neutrality, but what exactly does that mean for internet users? They have ruled to allow internet providers to prioritize what reaches their consumers the fastest. Internet users could be heading into a time where their Netflix shows would be unwatchable, their Instagram pictures would not load and even simple google search could be unbearably slow.

In summary, Net Neutrality is what prevents internet providers like Comcast or AT&T from slowing down, speeding up, or blocking content that you want to use. With the repeal of this policy, all of that would go away, which means that consumers would have to pay more to use their favorite websites.

In countries like Portugal, where there is no Net Neutrality, internet service providers offer packages in which there is a monthly fee to access apps and websites like iMessage, FaceTime, Instagram, Netflix, Spotify and Google Drive. This hints at an internet that America could soon be heading towards.

Net Neutrality can be described as the ‘First Amendment of the Internet’, as it has allowed small businesses and people of all economic backgrounds to use its services. Without this Obama-Era policy, only the wealthy will be able to afford simply ‘Googling’ something.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee promised “Washington state will act under our own authority and under our own laws and under our own jurisdiction to protect the very important measure of Net Neutrality for all Washington citizens,”

Washington is 1 amongst 15 other states suing the FCC over this ruling. The FCC has drafted a proposal which includes that any state-level laws that attempt to protect their state’s citizens’ right to a free internet will be preempted. Which basically says that once Net Neutrality is gone, that the individual state governments will not be able to do anything to protect it, which is undeniably unconstitutional.

This new policy is set to take place at the beginning of the new year, however, Congress does have the power to be able to reverse the FCC’s decision. If you wish to keep a free internet, contact your local lawmakers and urge them to overturn the FCC’s vote.