Broadband lobby groups prepare lawsuit, calling rules a "net fatality."

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3–2 to impose net neutrality rules today, restoring the common-carrier regulatory framework enforced during the Obama era and then abandoned while Trump was president.

The rules prohibit Internet service providers from blocking and throttling lawful content and ban paid prioritization.

“Consumers have made clear to us they do not want their broadband provider cutting sweetheart deals, with fast lanes for some services and slow lanes for others,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at today’s meeting.

  • DeconceptualistEnglish
    1•8 months ago

    This is the FCC = Federal Communications Commission. I don’t know the origins but as long as I’ve been aware they’ve been a 5-member panel; 3 commissioners from the president’s party and 2 from the opposing party. They’re supported by hundreds of staff members.

    FTC = Federal Trade Commission, a completely separate body. They recently made headlines for banning non-compete agreements.

    • Andromxda 🇺🇦🇵🇸🇹🇼English
      1•8 months ago

      Oh yeah, you’re right. I meant the FCC, just got a little confused there, but I know that these are separate bodies. But still, just 5 people in charge of it? Seems kinda strange to me.

      • DeconceptualistEnglish
        1•8 months ago

        It’s intentionally an odd number so votes don’t end in ties. And it’s a small number because nominations and appointments can take a long time due to political BS.

      • DeconceptualistEnglish
        2•8 months ago

        Sort of? I’m sure Congress could change it. They likely won’t because their members are almost entirely from the two major parties. But IIRC there was brief talk of changes when Republicans blocked the nomination of Gigi Sohn.