LIS 160 Portfolio 4: Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality is the belief that companies that provide citizens with internet should not censor specific content and instead allow all content online to be equally accessible. In the Philippines, this isn’t exactly a huge issue yet, however it is still indeed a present problem. According to Rom Ferie of Manila Bulletin, there are no current laws yet promoting net neutrality. He also further discusses how companies provide add on packages for only specific services; thus obviously influencing customers to use these applications over possible alternatives. It is however worth noting that these add-ons mentioned are only add-ons for entertainment products such as video games and streaming services. As such, these companies don’t directly harm citizens through their promotion of specific services. This is not to say that the previously mentioned lack of a net neutrality law is not alarming however. The mere lack of a law protecting the right of citizens to be able to view or access what they would like to is already a red flag. This could lead to worst case scenarios like the government censoring and preventing to access to any content online that criticizes or speaks up against government officials. In summary, although we are not currently severely affected by a lack of net neutrality, the lack of concern for it may lead to our downfall in the future.

References:
Feria, Rom. Net Neutrality Badly Needed in the Philippines. Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin, 5 September 2018. Web. 28 October 2020. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2018/09/05/net-neutrality-badly-needed-in-the-philippines/