U.S.

Washington Passes First State Law Protecting Net Neutrality

The governor signed a bill Monday that blocks internet service providers from favoring sites and content, and messing with internet speeds.

Washington Passes First State Law Protecting Net Neutrality
Getty Images
SMS

Washington passed a law effectively banning internet service providers from policing the web  — making it the first state to pass legislation to protect net neutrality.

The governor signed House Bill 2282 into law on Monday. In short, it prohibits ISPs from blocking content, messing with internet speeds based on what it is and where it's coming from, and favoring certain sites or traffic over others. 

States Refile Suits To Try To Block Net Neutrality Repeal
States Refile Suits To Try To Block Net Neutrality Repeal

States Refile Suits To Try To Block Net Neutrality Repeal

The 2015 rules prohibit internet service providers from blocking, slowing or prioritizing websites and apps.

LEARN MORE

The Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back key net neutrality protections last year. The move was condemned by the public, politicians and even tech giants like Netflix and Amazon.

The FCC repeal is scheduled to take effect in April. Washington's bill goes into effect June 6. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN