6.17.2016

Explaining Net Neutrality is Easier on a Giant Roller Coaster

Professor Tim Wu explains net neutrality to Stephen Colbert while riding Six Flags' Nitro.



I know everybody's been following the issue of net neutrality pretty closely. But for those who need an update: this week, a U.S. court upheld the so-called Open Internet rules that require Internet providers to treat all content equally in terms of speed. The ruling means that phone and cable companies can't block or slow down users' access to content just because they use a lot of bandwidth, and they can't charge more people or companies that can pay more. The decision is considered a major victory consumers.

But you know, the issue of net neutrality, while important, can be a little boring. Stephen Colbert recognizes this. So he recently invited Columbia University Law professor Tim Wu, who coined the term "net neutrality," to appear on The Late Show and offer his expert take on the net neutrality conversation.

While riding on a roller coaster.

Because any topic explained while riding on a roller coaster is automatically way more thrilling. Watch as Professor Wu breathlessly explains the concept of net neutrality to Stephen Colbert while the two are strapped into the front seat of the Nitro roller coaster -- sorry, "Hypercoaster" -- at Six Flags Great Adventure.



Turns out, when you're dropping 230 feet at 80 miles per hour (I looked it up), net neutrality is awesome! And much easier to understand. Now it all makes so much sense.



Thanks, Professor Wu.

More here: The net neutrality court decision, in plain English


FACEBOOK

angry archive