Science and Tech

Actions

The FCC Plans To Roll Back Net Neutrality Rules

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai proposed a plan that would eliminate Obama-era regulations.
Posted at 3:31 PM, Nov 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-21 15:31:41-05

The Federal Communications Commission recently announced its plan to eliminate net neutrality.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants to roll back rules established in 2015 under former President Barack Obama. They essentially force internet providers to treat all web content fairly by outlawing things like paid prioritization and blocking web traffic.

The proposed plan would remove strict government oversight and simply require ISPs to inform the public about their practices. But critics say the plan would give ISPs control over what their consumers can and can't see, and for what price.

The announcement split the tech world. Companies, like Verizon, welcomed the change, while others, likeGoogle, expressed disappointment.

But net neutrality isn't dead yet. While the changes are expected to pass a final Dec. 14 vote, neutrality supporters could take the FCC to court to keep current regulations.