What is Net Neutrality?

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - The end of "net neutrality," the long-held principle in which no Internet content is favored over another, could have could have far-reaching implications for the logged-on world.

A reported deal in the works between Google and Verizon could create a service in which Verizon makes some Internet content faster than others and charges the content provider for the better service.

For example, without net neutrality, Internet service could end up like cable TV: a hodgepodge of you get what you pay for, according to Gizmodo .

Google has denied the deal as reported Wednesday by The New York Times .

Since the news of the Google and Verizon talks was reported, there has been a lot of back-and-forth between the companies and the media, about what the talks mean, and who said what ( Gizmodo has a breakdown of the reports.)

The net neutrality principle opposes letting Internet Service Providers such as Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and others engage in special deals that would allow the blocking or favoritism of certain content as a way to compete, reports The Huffington Post .

If such a deal between Verizon and Google became reality, Internet watchdogs say Verizon could cut special deals with any company, such as Google, and prioritize its Internet traffic. That would give one company an advantage over its competition by allowing that content to move faster over the Internet than content from the competition, thus removing net neutrality.

"The deal marks the beginning of the end of the Internet as you know it," writes Josh Silver , president of the nonprofit group Free Press, in The Huffington Post. "A non-neutral Internet means that companies like AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and Google can turn the Net into cable TV and pick winners and losers online."

The FCC tried to strengthen net neutrality, but the courts blocked the effort.