FCC Launches Effort To Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules — Update
19.10.2023 - 16:53
/ deadline.com
UPDATE, Oct. 19, 9:25 a.m. PT: The FCC launched a new effort today to reinstate a robust set of net neutrality roles.
The commission voted 3-2 along party lines to seek public comment on a proposal that would essentially return to the set of rules adopted during the Obama administration then repealed during the Trump years.
The proposal would classify internet service as a “telecommunications” service under Title II of the Communications Act. That’s a regulatory maneuver that would empower the FCC to prohibit blocking and throttling of internet content, or creating so-called “fast lanes” for those who pay up.
Over the past two decades, the FCC has tried multiple times to come up with a set of neutrality rules, only to be rebuffed in court or by GOP control.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel moved quickly to reinstate net neutrality last month, shortly after Democrats gained a majority on the commission with the confirmation of Anna Gomez.
The last public comment period on net neutrality drew record response and it drew the attention of figures like HBO’s John Oliver. At the December, 2017, hearing to repeal the rules, protesters gathered outside the agency and the vote was delayed for a bit when FCC received a bomb threat.
What’s unclear is whether the move to impose net neutrality rules will get the same level of attention. Much has changed in the past six years, as some of the past champions of the rules, including major internet companies like Google, Facebook and X/Twitter, have come under scrutiny for the way that they moderate third party content.
PREVIOUSLY, Sept. 26: FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will unveil plans later on Tuesday to reinstate net neutrality rules, the set of regulations that require