An appeals court has struck down the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules. So, what is Net Neutrality and what does it mean to you?
What is net neutrality?
Net neutrality rules require broadband Internet providers to treat all Internet traffic the same, preventing companies like Comcast and Verizon from favoring certain websites and applications over others. The rules mean internet companies cannot block or slow down certain websites or sell fast lanes that prioritize one website over another in exchange for payment.
Big telecommunications companies have fought these rules in court, arguing that they should be able to control the services they built and own. Broadband companies that are part of the American Communications Association called this week’s decision a “victory.”
“(Our members) can now focus more on providing people with faster speeds, more affordable prices and quality service without the threat of federal utility-style regulations hindering their investments,” their statement said .
In 2015, during the administration of former President Barack Obama, the FCC approved net neutrality rules in a party-line vote, ensuring that cable and phone companies do not manipulate traffic. These rules were later repealed during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FCC to reinstate the rules. Then, this year, Democrats gained a majority in the FCC. The commission voted in April along partisan lines to reinstate net neutrality rules.
What does the net neutrality decision mean?
This week’s ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals states that the FCC does not have the authority to classify broadband as a “telecommunications service,” essentially saying that the FCC does not have the authority to apply the net neutrality rules set by its Order in April.
Brendan Carr, whom President-elect Donald Trump appointed as FCC commissioner, celebrated the decision on social media, writing on the , it’s a good victory.
The American Civil Liberties Union, however, says net neutrality rules keep the Internet open, free and unrestricted, preventing Internet companies from controlling what people can access online.
“Today’s decision to roll back net neutrality will have a devastating effect on free speech online,” Jenna Leventoff, senior policy advisor at the ACLU, said Thursday.
NBC Chicago
