Net neutrality (also network neutrality or Internet neutrality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, and modes of communication.

Supporters of network neutrality want to designate cable companies as common carriers, which would require them to allow Internet service providers (ISPs) free access to cable lines, the model used for dial-up Internet. They want to ensure that cable companies cannot screen, interrupt or filter Internet content without court order, thus guaranteeing freedom of speech regardless of their financial means of paying the providers.

Opponents of net neutrality include hardware companies and members of the cable and telecommunications industries, including major telecommunications providers. They have have argued that net neutr