Underground Economy

The underground economy is the part of a country's economic activity that is unrecorded and untaxed by its government. In the article "$2 Trillion Underground Economy May Be Recovery's Savior", it states that the growing underground economy may helping to prevent the real economy from sinking further. The underground economy is beneficial in some ways because it includes firms that hire hourly or daily construction labor, information technology specialists and web designers. Many who have a job that does not pay enough take on another job that pays under the table. The effects of the underground economy are larger than people perceive it to be, and the result is less tax money paid to the various levels of government. Though the underground economy can be beneficial, it can also be detrimental. In the article it states that "shadow" economies are usually associated with illegal activity, such as drug dealing. Another downside is that people who are not on the books do not get social security or health benefits. People who do these types of jobs run the risk of getting exploited with lower pay or not being paid at all. People are running out of patience when it comes to finding a job and losing income.

Net Neutrality

As defined by Google net neutrality is, "the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites". Net neutrality is important to both corporations and consumers for quite a few reasons. According to the website theopeninter.net, there are seven important reasons on why it is important. The first being a free and open internet is the single greatest technology of our time. Second, a free and open internet stimulates ISP competition. Third, a free and open internet helps prevent unfair pricing practices. Fourth, a free and open internet promotes innovation. Fifth, a free and open internet promotes the spread of ideas. Sixth, a free and open internet drives entrepreneurship. And lastly, a free and open internet protects freedom of speech. The FCC controls the neutrality of the internet by having rules and regulations.  


Works Cited:
http://www.theopeninter.net/
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/open-internet

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