US Administration Reverses Trump's Net Neutrality Rollback

Photo : Reuters

In a significant move, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Thursday to reinstate stricter rules aimed at ensuring open access to the internet, marking a reversal of a decision made during the Trump administration.

The contentious issue of net neutrality has been a focal point of debate within the FCC and US courts for over a decade, with both proponents and opponents claiming to champion "internet freedom." The net neutrality rules introduced in 2015 received support from then-president Barack Obama. However, following the election of Donald Trump, the FCC underwent a shift in party majority, leading to the swift reversal of these changes.

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Ahead of the vote, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democratic appointee, emphasized the agency's commitment to providing every consumer with fast, open, and fair internet access. The reinstated rules entail government oversight for internet providers by classifying broadband as a utility-like service, subject to regulation akin to water and phone companies.

The FCC voted 3-2 along party lines to restore the open internet rules, with Rosenworcel asserting that these policies ensure consumers can navigate online without their broadband provider exerting undue influence. Specifically, the rules prohibit broadband providers from blocking websites, slowing services, or censoring online content.

Advocates of net neutrality argue that these rules serve as a safeguard against powerful internet providers like Comcast and AT&T monopolizing the online landscape by favoring certain services over others. Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, expressed satisfaction with the FCC's decision, highlighting its potential to protect consumers and uphold First Amendment rights online.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the perceived heavy-handedness of such regulations, which some fear could stifle investment in the rapidly evolving internet sector. During the Trump administration, the FCC justified its departure from net neutrality rules as part of a broader shift towards a "light-touch regulatory framework."

The return to Obama-era net neutrality rules was met with approval from major tech companies, who view them as striking a fair balance between ensuring reliable broadband access and fostering innovation in carrier services. Stephanie Joyce, senior vice president at the Computer and Communications Industry Association, praised the rules as conducive to promoting both robust broadband and continued industry innovation.