Company
Date Published
Author
Jeff Lawson, Twilio co-founder and CEO
Word count
511
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The Internet is an open network where users can access any Internet-connected server without restrictions on what those bits mean or whether they should be permitted to access them. The FCC is currently considering a reversal of this doctrine, allowing ISPs and carriers to use arbitrary policy to price and police the Internet for specific services. This action would enable discrimination in who can access the Internet, at what price, and for what use-cases. Net neutrality has been crucial for innovation on the Internet since its inception and has allowed young companies like Twilio to reach customers without having to engage in laborious business development with each carrier and ISP. The power of the Internet lies in its elimination of gatekeepers, which has driven innovation and entrepreneurship for decades. To protect this freedom, Twilio is partnering with organizations to promote a call to action, encouraging users to contact their government representatives to express their concerns about the future of the Internet.