Net Neutrality Repeal Will Harm Minority Groups

In a continuation of the horrors of the Trump administration, net neutrality (aka laws that protect equal access on the internet) could be rolled back this month based on a vote from the FCC. There is a lot of talk surrounding the issue as media outlets attempt to predict a future without net neutrality. Repealing the Open Internet Order would allow corporations to monetize and control access to the internet. This could mean anything from monthly subscriptions certain sites to censorship, all that makes the internet a democratic forum would be taken away.

Beyond the inconvenience, beyond the fear of blocked social media, repealing net neutrality could be extremely harmful to low-income and minority groups in a variety of ways, depending on the fate of internet accessibility. The free and fair access of healthcare information online, thus far, has allowed for the development of telemedicine, which allows individuals living in low-income and rural areas, without the ability to regularly see a doctor, to have their condition regulated through the internet. Everything from monitoring blood pressure to health education can now be done over the internet, which cuts down on the amount of outpatient appointment needed, substantially reducing medical bills, and providing greater access to healthcare. Revoking net neutrality threatens this accessibility, in a way that directly targets low-income communities, making the complexities of our healthcare system that much more difficult to navigate.

In addition, open access to social media allows for grassroots organizing of minority groups. This previously universal right to access the internet, allowed for free and fast promotion of relevant issues impacting marginalized groups in order to gain support and networks that can allow those voices to be heard. The internet was a powerful force during the Egyptian Revolution in 2011, when thousands of Egyptians protested the government for several days, resulting in the overthrow of the President. Without net neutrality, opportunities to crowd source online would be taken away. There could even be censorship, that would prevent access to political information in opposition to the interests of the corporations or broadband providers. The recent Women’s March on Washington was almost completely organized through Facebook, successfully attracting thousands of protesters to the capital in opposition of Trump’s inauguration. Powerful social movements like these are being threatened by the impending doom of net neutrality removal and it is pretty scary. The impact this government action could have on minority groups is not getting enough attention in discussions surround the repeal. Instead, internet users seem more concerned with prices and internet speeds, rather than realizing the broader impact. While the internet remains free and uncensored for the next week or so, it is important to stay up to date on the status of the bill, as well as the decision of the FCC. Until then, the fate of our democracy hangs in the balance.