What is an "Open Internet"?

January 10, 2022

The internet is an essential platform for innovation, social participation and free speech. Its success is based on its open nature.

The open internet is based on the net neutrality concept, within which information across the World Wide Web (WWW) is free of charge and equitably available, regardless of the financial motives of Internet Service Providers (ISP).

Modern communication is based on an open internet, and it has been so throughout the entire history of the web. Recently, the concept has become controversial, as some ISPs make moves towards controlling data transmission and trying to manipulate web traffic. As internet is a global, de-centralized platform, net neutrality, censorship and privacy are being constantly addressed. Analyzing these issues is essential for ensuring information transparency and the continued free flow of information within the World Wide Web. These are the most important conditions, giving the users the possibility to make informed choices when it comes to accessing content online.

What is net neutrality?

This concept refers to the way Internet Service Providers (ISPs) manage the data and traffic flowing through their networks. ISPs should manage traffic only in specific, justified cases, which need to be clearly identified. Under EU regulations, ISPs are not allowed to block or slow down internet traffic unless it’s a question of complying with legal orders, ensuring network security or managing temporary congestion. According to the EU law, internet users have the right to access and distribute information freely using the services of their choice.

ISPs are supposed to treat data equally, no matter where it comes from and what it contains. This aspect of net neutrality is sometimes call internet freedom.

Why is internet freedom essential?

A free and open internet provides the end-users with equitable access to information. It also prevents unfair practices and pricing policies. As network operators offer content services of their own, they could use their capacity to manipulate traffic in order to favor their own products and our access to information would be controlled by big corporations. What is more, the principle of net neutrality protects freedom of speech and serves as a powerful tool for anyone fighting for social change and justice.