Gatekeeping the Internet?
Net neutrality has been a heated discussion worldwide since the internet boomed in popularity. Before, the world wide web is a wild west composed of users around the globe. It allowed anyone to say what they want online without the restraint of authorities in the real world. But as businesses started to profit off the medium, we have seen less and less unfiltered content for better and for worse. Applying policies on what to do and not to do online protects users from cybercrime cases such as online trafficking, identity theft, information phishing, viruses, and cyberbullying. However, if the internet will be gatekept for the benefit of a particular group of people (i.e. capitalist companies and agenda-driven governments), it is an abuse of power that tramples our right to information and free speech. That is what Net Neutrality is pushing.
If the Philippines imposed Net Neutrality, wealthier companies will control what information we receive online, for they are the only ones that can afford accessibility. It will skyrocket ISP services’ prices. It will hurt the poor who can’t pay for it. What is worse, the government can use it to have control over the news online. They can push their propaganda and silence dissent. The ruling people will gain more power, while the people will be left blinded with fake & biased news, and the prices will gatekeep the poor from being a part of the online world.