What is the term used for the principle that prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from throttling or charging fees for specific content providers?

Net neutrality is the term that describes the principle that ensures Internet Service Providers (ISPs) treat all data on the internet equally. This means ISPs cannot intentionally throttle, slow down, or charge fees for accessing specific websites or services. The essence of net neutrality is to maintain a free and open internet, allowing users to access any content they choose without interference from their service providers. This principle is crucial for promoting competition and innovation, as it prevents ISPs from prioritizing their own content or that of partners over competing services.

In contrast, bandwidth caps refer to restrictions imposed by ISPs on the amount of data a user can consume within a given period, and content regulation involves broader oversight of what content is permissible online. Network congestion is a phenomenon that occurs when the demand for internet bandwidth exceeds the available supply, which can lead to slower speeds or interruptions but is not a principle that governs how ISPs manage data traffic.