The US is restoring net neutrality: what has changed?

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) On Thursday, the United States voted to restore net neutrality.. In a decision marked by partisan differences, the agency banned Internet service providers (ISPs) from interfering with browsing speeds.

The ruling prohibits ISPs from engaging in discriminatory practices such as block or slow down Internet traffic to certain websites by prioritizing others for an additional fee. The measure classifies broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. At the same time, the FCC equates Internet services to traditional telephone lines expand the scope of its regulation.

“Four years ago, the pandemic changed life as we know it,” said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We were told to stay home, shelter in place and live online. Much of work, school and healthcare have moved online. If we wanted to interact with the world, we needed to do it through a broadband connection.”

Net neutrality rules, originally enacted in 2015, They were dismantled during the Donald Trump administration.. This has raised concerns about potential abuses of power by service providers. Net neutrality advocates have argued that without regulatory safeguards, ISPs could have a disproportionate impact on Internet access.

Suppliers say regulation is ‘inhibiting innovation’

As expected, this decision was met with fierce opposition from the Republican Party. Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized the FCC’s rationale for reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service. Carr stated that big tech companies are the real bad guysas they restrict access to a greater extent than ISPs.

Internet service companies insisted that there should be no rules regarding net neutrality, since these principles are already followed. Jonathan Spalte, president of the USTelecom association, which includes companies such as AT&T, Telefónica, Verizon and SpaceX, criticized the measure and called it retrograde.

“This is not a problem for broadband consumers who have been using the open Internet for decades,” Spalte said. “Instead of promoting this harmful regulatory land grab, policymakers should focus on creating opportunity for everyone in a hyperconnected world.”

Industry groups and Republican commissioners view the restoration of net neutrality rules as government overreach that May hinder investment and innovation in broadband infrastructure. They argue that market forces and consumer choice are sufficient to prevent discriminatory practices by Internet service providers.

What is net neutrality and why is it important?

Net neutrality is the principle that All information on the Internet should be treated fairly and without discrimination. from Internet providers. This means that ISPs should not block, slow down, or prioritize certain types of online traffic over others. They should also not charge additional fees to certain content providers or users for access to certain online services.

Since there is net neutrality regulation Equal access is guaranteed regardless of the type of content. or Internet provider. Freedom of expression is similarly encouraged, as Internet service providers cannot block or censor certain types of material based on their own interests or agendas. Users have freedom of access and consume any online content freely and without restrictions artificial, imposed by suppliers.

Without net neutrality, users will lose several fundamental aspects that are essential to the fair and equitable functioning of the Internet.