The term “net neutrality” has been buzzing around the internet recently. The Internet has become such an integral part of our lives, it’s hard to imagine NOT having the free the easy access to information, video, social networking, and the multiple points of view that the Internet provides. But a terrifying new development seems to be emerging that could spell the end of the “free internet” as we know it.

Net neutrality means that if a publisher and reader pay for their connections, they should have free access to the internet service they have paid for. In other words, certain users should not be charged more than others. Lawrence Lessig, professor of Law at Stanford University has been warning of a time when major telecoms like Comcast would seek to interfere with that connection, paving the way for a corporate take-over of the internet. This is exactly what happened with radio in the early 20th century. Radio in the US used to be a many to many network. Then the “network” was reduced to the few players — NBC, ABC, and CBS — who could afford the new, high prices of radio transmission. A new film “Humanity Lobotomy” documents this trend.

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Almost as if on cue, Comcast announced this month its plan to “throttle” service to certain heavier users — a strategic first step that could start a trend of small publishers closing their operations due to high costs. Their clever PR spin is to make it sound like they are penalizing people for “slowing down” the internet. Fortunately, the FCC acted quickly, ordering Comcast to cease all plans for intentionally interfering with the connections of specific users. But the threat remains and a battle may ensue between the public interest and the interests of corporations who would profit from pivatizing access to the Internet.