Net Neutrality Restored as FCC Votes to Regulate Internet Providers

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The FCC on Thursday restored “net neutrality” rules that prevent broadband Internet providers such as Comcast and AT&T from favoring some websites and apps over others.

The measure effectively reestablishes a net neutrality order the commission first issued in 2015, during the Obama administration; under then president donald trumpthe FCC later repealed these rules in 2017.

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers must treat all traffic equally. The rules, for example, prohibit practices that restrict or block certain websites or applications, or that offer higher speeds to customers willing to pay more.

“In our post-pandemic world, we know that broadband is a necessity, not a luxury,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement before the vote.

The telecommunications industry opposed the reintroduction of the rules, as it has done before, calling it an example of unnecessary government interference in business decisions.

The measure passed on a 3-2 vote split along party lines, with Democratic commissioners in favor and Republicans against.