One aspect of the net neutrality battle is the discovered potential of deep packet inspection, which presents implications for file sharers and pretty much any user who uploads or downloads from the online network. Deep packet inspection functions as a notification application primarily for those transferring information over the Internet. In a “packet” of information, almost like a letter, there is the general tag line of what the letter or “packet” contains also called the header, and the body itself. When an online service provider moves information from one place to another on the Internet, they have the knowledge of where to transfer the bundle of info because of the header. However, there are companies that exist to sell technologies that can enable the networks with the power to view the actual content within the packet, including Radware, Allot Communications, and Packet Capture Express, although this does not by any means say these companies came into existence for this reason. These companies exist to ensure security, although many individuals are afraid that by allowing the major ISP’s the ability to obtain personal information, they could in turn behold a great power because of DPI. Many argue that access to that much information, which could include examples such as a personal e-mail or video of a family event is a violation of privacy and unnecessary for the providers to possess. However, the providers say that DPI will allow them to divert different types of Internet traffic based on the capacity (bandwidth) they require or the near perfect playback in the form of a live video. However, there are some who are skeptical, and still fear for future yet. Only time will tell if deep packet inspection is the innovative agent of knowledge or violation of privacy aspects.
