FCC eliminates net neutrality rules

15, Dec 2017 | CJP Team

The United States’ Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to eliminate the open internet rules that were adopted during President Barack Obama’s administration in 2015, The Week reported. Scrapping these rules allows internet service providers (ISPs) to slow or block the delivery of websites and services, and create ‘fast lanes’ to deliver websites to customers who pay more. The proposal also ends consumer protections and bars states from implementing laws that don’t align with the FCC’s rules. A recently released poll from the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation found that 83% of voters backed the current rules, The Hill reported. Respondents were presented with arguments for and against eliminating the current rules before being asked about their position. 75% of Republicans backed the current rules. According to Reuters, ISPs have said they won’t block or stifle legal content “but may engage in paid prioritization”.