In a decisive move that could reshape the landscape of internet usage in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to conduct a vote on April 25 that is expected to bring back net neutrality. This principle mandates that internet service providers (ISPs) treat all web traffic equally, without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, platform, application, or method of communication.
After initially implementing net neutrality regulations in 2015, the FCC, under a different administration, rolled back these protections in 2017. This upcoming vote signals a significant shift back towards enforcing these regulations, with FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel highlighting the pandemic's role in underlining broadband's status as an essential service. Rosenworcel emphasized the need for oversight to ensure broadband access remains "fast, open, and fair."
The 2015 rules had barred ISPs from creating "internet fast lanes" — special treatment for certain content providers over others — a practice that the subsequent administration allowed by rescinding net neutrality. Despite widespread protests and legal attempts to maintain net neutrality, including significant pushback from tech giants and a comprehensive bill in 2019, these efforts were largely stifled until the recent shift in the FCC's composition.
With the FCC now under a majority that supports net neutrality, and after a legal obligation to solicit public comments following a lawsuit, the commission is finally positioned to reinstate these crucial protections. This move is seen as a victory for advocates of a free and open internet, ensuring that ISPs cannot throttle, block, or prioritize internet traffic, thereby preserving the digital landscape's integrity and fairness.
