Net Neutrality In Trouble: EU grants Internet Fast Lanes for Internet TV
The European Union has just issued new telecom rules that may open a loophole for internet service providers to circumvent net neutrality principles. The new laws allow for specialized content like "internet TV and new innovative applications" to be given priority over other forms of internet traffic.
Tech websites have slammed the decision saying it jeopardizes the free and open nature of the worldwide web.
Ars Technica calls it a 'two tier internet' and accuses the European Commission of using vague and complicated jargon to mask the true nature of the new agreement:
"In a fact sheet on the agreement, the European Commission tries to hide the reality that net neutrality is being destroyed by defining something called the open Internet "
The website then points out this provision in the new agreement:
But running alongside this "open Internet," on the same network, there will be "specialised services," which are not open and where paid prioritisation is permitted: "The new EU net neutrality rules guarantee the open Internet and enable the provision of specialised or innovative services on condition that they do not harm the open Internet access." The caveat is vague, and in practice will not prevent "specialised services" competing with those offered on the "open Internet"
Like Ars Technica, website techdirt has hit out at the new policies, saying the European Commission is trying to redefine the idea of net neutrality with their new terminology:
"The little trick being pulled by politicians who apparently think the public is too stupid to understand this is to redefine net neutrality. First, they claim that the "open internet" is really important and they won't allow paid prioritization."
The entire document and all the provisions included can be seen on the European Comission's official press release.
