Net bias

Net bias (or network bias) is the counter-principle to net neutrality, which indicates differentiation or discrimination of price and the quality of content or applications on the Internet by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The term was initially coined by Rob Frieden, a professor at Penn State University. Similar terms include data discrimination and network management. Net bias occurs when an ISP drops packets or denies access based on artificially induced conditions such as simulating congestion or blocking packets, despite the fact that ample capacity exists to switch and route traffic. Examples (models) of net bias include tiered service (specialized service), metering, bandwidth throttling, and port blocking. These forms of net bias are achieved by technical advancements of the Internet protocol. The idea of net bias can arise from political and economic motivations and backgrounds, which create some concerns regarding discrimination issues from political and economic perspectives.