The Destruction of Net Neutrality Is Underway: Get Angry!

The Destruction of Net Neutrality Is Underway: Get Angry!
Jérémie Kassianoff
March 23, 2014
3 min read

The process of destroying the internet, courtesy of Europe! The Pilar Del Castillo report is an unacceptable heresy.

Real-world use case

You want to understand what's at stake with net neutrality and why it's under threat in Europe: here is my analysis of the topic.

The process of destroying the internet by Europe

Today, a milestone in the destruction of our freedoms on the internet was reached with the adoption of the "Pilar Del Castillo" report, firmly backed by our MEPs and their lobbies. Passed with 30 votes in favor and 12 against, while 14 others chose to abstain. Indeed, the Pilar Del Castillo project plans to apply priority rules to content delivery on the internet. Despite common sense, it appears the telecom lobbies got their way!

Two-speed internet

Two-speed internet was created to limit certain traffic flows while favoring others. The goal is precisely to be able to strike deals with service providers. When a deal is reached between a service and an operator, it's called a specialized service. Specialized services will be unlocked according to an increasing order of subscriptions with ISPs. It's clear that the telecom lobbies are quite simply making use of our MEPs. "Aggressive lobbying by telecom companies against members of the committee appears to have played a decisive role in their final decision", laquadrature.net.

Outrageous plans on the horizon?

Make no mistake, internet plans are likely to be the consequence of this deal over time. Choosing an internet subscription based on your daily usage is heresy. So, Europeans, get ready, because in stores you'll certainly be asked about your internet habits, and your subscription will follow accordingly... outrageous, isn't it? I can already picture myself with the premium offer at €150/month to use so-called "professional" protocols. If my finances allow it, otherwise, "Sayonara" to my VPN, SSH, IRC, P2P, and many others. And to think Netflix is supposed to arrive in France soon, what a disappointment.

There are indeed ways to fight back: get angry!

I personally chose to contact my MEP by email. Yes, hoping for a reply from my MEP is probably just an illusion, but if nothing is done, how far will they go in the privatization of the internet? If you love the internet, make a small effort! Jérémy Zimmerman presents the foundations of net neutrality in a video:

The actions recommended by La Quadrature du Net are available at this address. My blog is not a platform for propaganda, but this topic concerns everyone. If you love a free internet and think the telecom lobbies are going too far, get angry! The European Parliament will hold a plenary vote on April 3. More information on La Quadrature's website.

The post La destruction de la neutralité du Net est en marche : Indignez-vous! first appeared on Jérémie Kassianoff.

Conclusion

This article looks back at the European Parliament's adoption of the Pilar Del Castillo report and its potential consequences for net neutrality: two-speed internet, specialized services, and plans differentiated by usage. It warns about the influence of telecom lobbies in this legislative process and invites everyone to get involved, in particular by contacting their MEP. A topic that remains relevant, as net neutrality issues continue to arise as regulations evolve.