Along party lines, commissioners decided to reestablish the Obama-era regulations.
After being abandoned during the Trump administration, the Federal Communications Commission has voted to bring back net neutrality principles. The two Republicans on the panel voted against the proposal, while the three Democratic commissioners supported it, as was to be expected.
Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 states that broadband service is now regarded as an essential communications resource due to the implementation of net neutrality regulations. This gives the FCC the authority to control broadband internet in the same manner that it does phone, power, and water services. This entails granting the organization control over broadband network security and downtime. Republican commissioner Brendan Carr described the proposal as a “unlawful power grab.”
Internet service providers are required to handle broadband usage equally under net neutrality regulations. All content, websites, and apps must be accessible to users at the same speeds and with the same conditions. ISPs are not permitted to restrict access to particular websites, charge streaming services for faster service, or ban or prioritize any content.
Net neutrality safeguards were enacted by the FCC in 2015, during the Obama presidency. However, during President Donald Trump’s administration, they were abandoned. President Joe Biden issued an executive order in 2021 to reinstate the Obama-era regulations, but the FCC was unable to do so for a considerable amount of time. Before Anna Gomez took the oath of office as the third Democratic commissioner on the panel in September of last year, the board was at a standstill with two Democratic and two Republican votes. The FCC then took action to restore net neutrality safeguards rather swiftly, at least in comparison to its usual pace.
There may still be disagreement on the matter. The telecom sector can still file legal challenges. Nonetheless, proponents of an open and fair internet celebrate the FCC’s vote in favor of net neutrality.