Net neutrality has, in a nutshell, ensured that we all have open and fair access to the internet. Last year these protections were rolled back and since then, although we’ve seen no major changes to our internet access, it doesn’t mean we should stop worrying.

The potential effects far exceed an increase to your internet bill, and even though I’ll be the first person living off the internet grid if they do, the scariest part of the repeal is the potential for censorship.

The old net neutrality rules prohibited service providers from slowing the transfer of data, blocking legal content on websites or apps, and prohibited the creation of fast and slow lanes. Removing these rules now allows service providers the ability to censor what its consumers can access, which would be a detriment to democracy.

Turning access to the internet into a luxury, could significantly limit the flow of information to those unable to pay. The first demographic likely to feel the effects would be those not able to afford the hike in their bill (including me.)

As we know, social media allows for a wide range of political debate to take place. Now imagine if only a specific demographic had the means to afford a social media package in the feared “pay to play,” outcome of the net neutrality repeal.

If these debates are limited to only one group of individuals, are we really getting the whole picture or both sides of the argument? Maybe, maybe not. But you can see how this may be a problematic issue.

Or how about the fact that Representatives use Facebook and the internet as a primary means of communication with their constituents, if they can’t reach the majority of those they govern will that truly be an effective way to communicate? Will they actually hear the true concern of their people, or just those who have the ability to afford it?

Instead of potentially limiting access to internet, the government should stress the importance of it as a necessity for a well run democracy. They should be doing everything in their power to ensure that each and every citizen has a voice that can be heard in the easiest and most convenient way via the internet. Censorship is never the answer to democracy.