9-Year-Old Explains Net Neutrality With Milkshakes

Net Neutrality has become a hot topic of debate over the last few months. It’s the idea that all service providers and governments should not be allowed to be selective with their services depending on the user or platform. Essentially, it’s about the equality of data. However, not many people understand it enough to find a well-informed stance on it.

Redditor kvw260 explained to his 9-year-old son the meaning behind Neutrality. He then caught his kid explaining it to one of his friends afterwards.

Pretend ice cream stores gave away free milkshakes. But you had to buy a straw to drink them. But that’s okay, because you still get free milkshakes. One day you’re drinking a free milkshake and you look down and the guy that sold you the straw is pinching it almost shut. You can still get your milkshake, but it’s really hard and takes a lot longer.

So you say, “Hey! Stop that!” And the straw guy says, “NO! Not until the ice cream store pays me money.” And you say, “But I already paid you money for the straw.” And the straw guy says, “I don’t care. I just want more money.”

It’s safe to say this is probably the best explanation we’ve heard so far. Also, we’re craving milkshakes like crazy now.

The FCC recently passed major Net Neutrality rules in a landmark vote.