The US government’s decision to repeal "Net neutrality" rules sparked a consumer backlash around the globe, though experts say Internet users in SA are unlikely to be meaningfully affected. Net neutrality allows access to all content without any of it being given priority or blocked. US regulators last month voted to allow Internet service providers (ISPs) to prioritise certain content or sites while snubbing others. They will have the power to slow down sites or demand payment from content providers to ensure fast access, raising concerns that large corporations with deep pockets will have the upper hand. For example, the principle of Net neutrality prohibits Telkom from slowing down or blocking the website of competitor MTN, or the Financial Mail’s website, for these websites’ customersThe move goes against the generally accepted principle that ISPs must treat all sites and content equally. World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck says Net neutrality rules were formalised in the US in ...

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