How Net Neutrality Impacts You

You’ve probably heard a bit about Net Neutrality recently. Here's how this topic directly affects our community and how you can take action.

Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules in place to prevent mega-funded-corps from paying internet service providers (also known as ISPs, think Comcast or Verizon) to play favorites. Without these protections, they could slow down access to Big Cartel and speed up access to their own competing platform (or whichever one wants to give them the most money).

A free and open internet, currently protected by the FCC, is essential for us and our stores to have a fair shot at success. Artists, makers, and small business owners are thriving by selling their work online, in large part because it’s remained a level playing field. The new head of the FCC has made it clear he wants to roll back Net Neutrality protections, allowing room for mega-funded-corps to throw money at ISPs and disadvantage smaller businesses.

So what can you do? You can make a comment on the FCC’s site specifically about this matter thanks to the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s super easy tool at DearFCC.org. And if you’re in a position to spare a few bucks, you can donate to support their fight for digital privacy and free expression online.

If you’re unfamiliar with Net Neutrality or just want to learn more, you can watch John Oliver’s funny but NSFW rundown:

Or watch this family-friendly piece:

If either of those videos gets you really fired up and you’ve already made your comment on the FCC site, we suggest writing or calling your Members of Congress and letting them know how Net Neutrality is essential to your work and the rest of the independent community.