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The Impact Of Net Neutrality Laws On Your Business

Forbes Technology Council
POST WRITTEN BY
Chalmers Brown

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When President Obama was in office, he was an avid supporter of net neutrality. The concept of net neutrality contends that there should be equal access to everything on the internet, regardless of whether it's in regard to a small business owner or large company. That means it upholds the principle that everyone should be able to communicate freely online. By offering this equal access and ability to get your website and content in front of the same audience, it leveled the playing field for everyone, from startups and freelancers to small business owners.

Red Light For Economic Growth

However, there are new laws that are signaling a real change that could take this open and free access to the internet away from small businesses and consumers. This is especially the case if regulations are removed that were previously stopping internet service providers (ISPs) from charging consumers for access and institutions to get access to certain consumers. Data prioritization could become expensive -- something that a small business owner most likely wouldn't have room for in the budget.

Therefore, if a business cannot afford to pay for this premium service so it can access its target audience, it will lose the online channel that was the primary way to reach them. Returning to traditional marketing channels will likely not help a company reach its audience. Economically, the removal of net neutrality could create significant problems, stifling the very businesses that have helped revive and grow the economy.

Additionally, larger companies -- particularly media giants -- could then control what content is shared with everyone who is online. This could lead to the marginalization of many groups that were gaining voice and power through their ability to leverage the internet to raise awareness for their causes.

Another reason I and others oppose the loss of net neutrality is that taking it away could impact companies behind the internet-of-things (IoT) devices. The end of net neutrality goes beyond just streaming content. Devices will be affected. In May, the Republican-led Federal Communications Commission started working toward overturning the agency's authority to enforce the net neutrality regulations it created.

To stop this adverse impact on the economy, there are steps you can take. These are some of the ways I have gotten involved, but I'm not personally affiliated with any of the organizations mentioned here.

Get Involved Politically

There are more technology companies, entrepreneurs and business leaders who are speaking out on political issues. There is power in numbers by doing so, which means that you can get involved to increase those voices who are against any changes to net neutrality. It means getting in contact with your state representative.

There is an online petition to add your name to that can amplify your voice. Created by the Free Press and Free Press Action Fund, the campaign is called "Save the Internet." The site also allows you to enter your phone number so they can connect you directly with your senators to let them know how you feel about it as a small business owner. There is also an opportunity to let your followers know on Facebook and Twitter that you have signed the petition so they can easily click on the link that gets posted to your social media sites and do the same.

You can sign Change.org's petition. The petition will be delivered to the FCC, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. This past July, there was also the Day of Action. More of these will be planned for the future, which provides a way to become politically involved and stand up for what you believe in. This was an online protest that brought together millions of people and businesses of all sizes around the world. More of these activist events can make a difference.

File A Complaint With The FCC

You can take your opinion directly to the FCC by writing the organization a formal complaint letter. It is asking for an opinion on its proposal, Docket No. 17-108, so this is the time to let your voice be heard. Go to the FCC website here or submit a statement through the ACLU here.

Fund The Fight

If you cannot actively get involved in the political arena, then you can help others speak for you by funding the fight. The Free Press Action Fund is asking for tax-deductible donations. Until the end of the year, any donations made will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $50,000 to ensure there are resources to continue raising awareness and working toward gathering enough attention to stop those trying to take net neutrality from us.

Create Public Awareness As A Thought Leader

You can also discuss it within the context of your own business where your content reaches an even larger audience to help them understand the devastating effects it can have. You have many soap boxes that you can stand on to shout your opinion on the subject, including a blog, website and numerous social media accounts. Let the government and the public know that you do not want to lose net neutrality.

Add An Alert To Your Website Or App To Spread Awareness Further

If you have a website or an app with a sizable audience, then you can use some easy-to-use tools to add pop-ups, alerts and notices to either your website or app. These notifications can call attention to the impact of losing net neutrality. It can also lead more people to sign petitions, file FCC complaints and take action. Adding such information to your app or website can be done with a GitHub code or WordPress plugin.

More Power Than Ever

In the past, businesses didn't have much of a choice when it came to regulations. However, with social media and the ability to mobilize more people to speak up against changes that could harm so many businesses and consumers, it's a different ballgame. We've seen change happen this way. It's our time to ensure we maintain net neutrality.
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