One of the key aspects of media literacy as defined by NAMLE is Access. “Access is how, when, where, and how often people have access to the tools, technology, and digital skills necessary to thrive.” Net Neutrality is the principle that internet providers should not give preferential treatment to certain content over others and that all web traffic should be treated equally to ensure the network is open and fair.
Without Net Neutrality, telecoms would have the ability to determine the speed at which we access websites, and they could favor their sites and content over their competitors. Net Neutrality goes hand in hand with people’s ability to access information. Without Net Neutrality, telecoms can charge consumers more for faster service.
One of NAMLE’s aspects of Access is that how consumers access information may determine what information they receive. Without Net Neutrality, people would have to pay extra fees to have faster access (or to access at all) reputable news sites. This could lead to people having to rely on less reputable news sites for information such as social media, where content is determined by an algorithm where they would have less exposure to diverse or differing viewpoints.
Another of NAMLE’s aspects of Access is that media literacy requires access to all information and ideas without censorship. Procon.org states that Net Neutrality is essential to preserving free speech and that it prevents internet companies from slowing down or blocking ISPs that differ from the companies’ monetary interests and/or political beliefs.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said in 2017 that removing Net Neutrality would allow ISPs to censor content online. Consumers can’t become media literate or have the information necessary to participate in civic society without Net Neutrality.
An additional aspect of Access by NAMLE is that participation in society, including the ability to receive and convey information, is a global human right. As stated by freepress.net, high-speed internet is essential in allowing to access to necessary information such as employment, health-care services, education, voting information, and emergency alerts. This information is necessary to function in everyday society.
People from marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by limited or no access and this problem worsens without Net Neutrality. Their access to essential information is impacted by paywalls as they are often at an economic disadvantage. Forbes.com describes how the internet has been essential for black entrepreneurs, particularly black women. Due to internet restrictions without Net Neutrality, it has become more difficult for black entrepreneurs to compete with wealthier companies.
Without Net Neutrality, lack of access and increased restrictions can also influence job searching where access to the internet is essential. Pew Research found that African Americans are more likely than whites to engage in online job searching. NAMLE states, “Access to information necessary for civic engagement/participation and economic growth are most needed by those from marginalized communities whose economic situation would benefit most from this information and whose voices are often underrepresented in civic life.”
Without Net Neutrality, media consumers’ access to technology, information, and ideas is put at risk. It is affected by slow speeds, paywalls and extra fees, censorship, and lack of access to vital information.