FCC Votes Along Party Lines to Restore Obama-Era Net Neutrality Rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 along party lines on Wednesday to restore Obama-era net neutrality rules, which prohibit internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing certain internet traffic. The move reclassifies broadband internet as a Title II telecommunications service, giving the FCC greater regulatory authority over ISPs.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, who voted in favor of the restoration, stated that the rules are necessary to protect the free and open internet, which is essential for national security and consumer protection. "Broadband is now an indispensable service, and the FCC needs to act to secure broadband networks and protect consumer data without these rules," Rosenworcel said.

The restored rules largely mirror the 2015 regulations that were upheld by federal courts. They ban ISPs from blocking or slowing down access to websites and apps, as well as from charging companies for faster delivery of their content. The FCC says this will ensure all websites are treated equally and prevent ISPs from shaping what consumers can access online.

Why this matters: The reinstatement of net neutrality rules has been a priority for the Biden administration and consumer advocacy groups, who argue they are necessary to ensure a fair and open internet. The move is expected to face legal challenges from the broadband industry, which contends the regulations are heavy-handed government intervention that will stifle investment and innovation.

Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who voted against the measure, called it an "illegal power grab that would be overturned in court. "The FCC's justifications for this order are false," Carr said. "This decision should be reversed by a future FCC quickly."

Regulatory Rollout: The new rules will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. They are expected to be challenged in court, but the FCC maintains they are "court-tested" and necessary to address issues like public safety, national security, and digital privacy.

"The pandemic proved broadband is indispensable, and the FCC has been handcuffed from fully securing broadband networks and protecting consumer data without these rules," Rosenworcel stated. "Every consumer deserves fast, open, and fair internet access."

Key Takeaways

• FCC voted 3-2 to restore Obama-era net neutrality rules, reclassifying broadband as Title II.
• Rules ban ISPs from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing internet traffic, ensuring equal treatment.
• Restoration is a priority for Biden administration, but faces legal challenges from broadband industry.
• FCC argues rules are necessary for public safety, national security, and digital privacy.
• New rules to take effect 60 days after publication, despite Republican commissioner's opposition.