Though the specific ramifications of scrapping Net Neutrality are still uncertain, the everyday American’s internet experience has undeniably been altered.

Headlines were recently made in Washington as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the federal agency responsible for regulating the country’s vast media output, moved to approve Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision to get rid of Net Neutrality protections ushered in during the Obama administration. These laws restrict internet service providers from tampering with internet use, including the deliberate change of internet speeds or the blocking of select websites, all in an effort to protect internet users. With these laws no longer in place, providers will have total control over the internet their users will see; from charging premium fees for access to popular websites to the outright manipulation of internet speeds, many potential changes can be implemented by giants like AT&T and Verizon.

These changes have incited widespread criticism, with junior Maggie Kormann arguing that “it’s not right because it favors big businesses and gives them an even larger influence in individual lives.” In response to these concerns, Pai assures the public that transparency is a critical component of the transition, with stipulations in place that require companies to disclose all alterations they make to their service.

To fully understand the FCC’s polarizing decision, the potential benefits of a deregulated internet are important to consider. With no obligation to offer the same service to every single individual, providers can create personalized plans that may cut user costs. As Junior Jacob Park puts it, the move is “overhyped,” adding that this newly found freedom results in “increasing competition and lowering prices.” Though only time will truly reveal whether an anarchic internet will hurt or benefit Americans, tech giants have assured users that no drastic changes will come their way, with Netflix going so far as to condemn the decision and promising legal opposition.