Mainstream movements such as free and open source software, which presupposes the availability of a free and open Internet, will be impacted adversely under a ‘non-neutral net regime.’

This was one of the concerns expressed by participants at a consultation to discuss broad topics under the rubric of ‘Net neutrality’ held here yesterday.

Grassroots concern

It was organised by the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software jointly with SFLC.in; IEEE Kerala Section; Internet Society-Thiruvananthapuram Chapter; and Swathanthra Malayalam Computing.

It sought to address the concerns of grassroots-level Internet user who depends on Internet for his personal life, work, as well as recreation.

Participants agreed that a free and open Internet was necessary for its continued use in the diverse forms that it is being used today.

In order to preserve the freedom, openness and transparency of the Internet, it is important that discrimination of any sort should be avoided at the infrastructure level.

Internet regulation

In this context, they examined two major issues: Regulation of Internet services and communication services and Net neutrality.

The meeting discussed the desirability of Internet services being brought under a licensing regime.

But it was also pointed out that a licensing regime could result in a level playing field being denied to startups and smaller players besides individual users. It was also stressed that such a scheme will result in a license Raj.

Internet and communication services are bound by laws ranging from the Indian Penal Code to the taxation laws and the Consumer Protection Act. More regulations and licensing will only result in innovation and enterprises being stifled.

Startup trouble

Participants also expressed reservations about the practice of zero rating. Services like Internet.org launched by Facebook along with Reliance, and Airtel Zero introduced by Airtel, will be detrimental to competition and adversely affect startups.

These will result in end users being denied choice.

Broader issues of Internet governance, in which Net neutrality was one component, required better engagement and participation from civil society to ensure that the voices from the grassroots users were also taken into confidence.

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