The Government has put forward proposals which will allow service providers (ISPs) to create “fast lanes” and “slow lanes” which websites will only have access to if they pay an extra premium.

This two-tier proposal has angered campaigners who say that the bid goes directly against the principle of net neutrality – the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally – is one of the cornerstones of cyberspace and ensures that providers like BT, Virgin or Sky give a simple blog the same level of access as a website for a major corporation or institution.

The Government says that its intention to bring in a system where providers could charge money for a better and quicker service is due to future internet upgrades however many see the move as amounting to the death of democracy online.