While it can be hard to remember, the internet is still a relatively new invention. That is one of the main reasons why it is so constantly being improved, adjusted, and reshaped. The internet not only evolves at a rapid technological pace, it constantly expands its reach to new people around the world.

Today, Global internet penetration is over 50%! That means more than half of the world has access to the free flow of information, bringing us all closer together.

And while this rapid shifting and growing, some governments have struggled with how best to utilize and regulate the web. Even the U.S. has struggled with how best to regulate the internet.

A prime example is the continuing discussion of net neutrality. On July 12, companies ranging from Amazon and Facebook to organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union joined forces to raise awareness and encourage people to reach out to their lawmakers to save net neutrality, which the FCC plans to abolish. But what is net neutrality?

Cable internet providers and other telecom companies would like the ability to create a fast lane, a sort of business-class internet service that allows websites that pay a premium to be able to operate on a faster connection. Essentially, those who pay will have better working, faster websites than those who do not pay. Net neutrality is that idea that cable internet providers should not be able to interfere with the way the internet works, which currently does not distinguish between the smallest start up and internet titans like Google or Amazon.

Those who are for net neutrality suggest that by instituting this two-tier system, cable internet providers would effectively be extorting internet users, as websites will be forced to pay fees or risk losing business due to inferior services. Additionally, they argue that internet service providers do not actually own the internet, and as such should not be able to impose barriers to the free and equal exchange of ideas.

Those who are in support of abolishing net neutrality see it as beneficial in the long run. That at first, there would be a distinct difference between those who pay to be in the fast lane and those who cannot afford the additional cost. But the argument has been that in the long run, both companies will benefit from improvements to the internet that can be achieved by the increased revenue raised by those paying to be in the fast lane.

Currently, the FCC is poised to continue its rollback of Net Neutrality rules. Any effect of the activism remains to be seen.