In 2015 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), after an outpouring of support from the public, put in place strict regulations to make sure internet service providers (ISPs) could not do things like create fast lanes, or “throttle” online traffic. They preserved an open internet where all traffic is treated equally online and where large corporations did not get preferential treatment over individuals or small institutions, like libraries or schools. The American Library Association (ALA) has long been a supporter of net neutrality–keeping the Internet open and free to everyone–and has issued several statements on the topic. Net neutrality aligns closely with libraries’ core value of providing free and open access to information for everyone. You can learn more and keep up to date on developments from their District Dispatch blog. This week, the Trump administration proposed rolling back those regulations with an ironically named “Restoring Internet Freedom” proposal, and they are now accepting public comments about the proposal. Read More →
