Net Neutrality Regulation in South America: A progress review

Abstract

The Internet is one of the most important technological innovations in human history. Nowadays, more than half of the global population is using Internet, and became the basis for the new Digital Economy. Although the Internet was created as a technology without a unique point of control, many actors have increased their efforts to control the infrastructure and traffic pursuing their own interests. In this scenario, with the changes driven by advances in technologies, services and the fast-growing of the Internet over the past two decades, the role of those who control the Internet infrastructure is one of the central issues of public debate about Internet policies. The main point of discussion is the Net Neutrality, that includes the access and control over content and applications without discrimination, the users and Internet service provider’s rights. This work analyzes how government authorities and stakeholders in four South American countries have approached the Net Neutrality debate between 2010 and 2017, also detail the particular conditions and characteristics of the situation that surround the creation and application of laws. The conclusions presents some problems and challenges that the countries should face in order to maintain the benefits of the policy.