Restoring Internet Freedom Order

Definition

The Restoring Internet Freedom Order is a regulatory framework established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2017 that dismantled previous net neutrality regulations. This order shifted the classification of internet services from Title II, which provided stronger consumer protections, to Title I, promoting a more deregulated approach to internet service providers (ISPs). The shift raised concerns about potential prioritization of content and access disparities among users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Restoring Internet Freedom Order was adopted on December 14, 2017, with a 3-2 vote along party lines in the FCC.
2. This order removed restrictions that prevented ISPs from blocking or throttling access to lawful content or providing paid prioritization for certain services.
3. Supporters of the order argue that deregulation encourages investment in broadband infrastructure and promotes competition among providers.
4. Opponents fear that the removal of net neutrality protections could lead to a tiered internet where consumers have to pay more for faster access to certain websites and services.
5. Following the order, several states attempted to implement their own net neutrality regulations in response to public concerns about internet access fairness.

Review Questions

• How did the Restoring Internet Freedom Order change the regulatory landscape for internet service providers?
  • The Restoring Internet Freedom Order significantly altered the regulatory framework by reclassifying internet services from Title II to Title I. This change reduced the FCC's authority to impose strict regulations on ISPs, effectively removing net neutrality protections that previously ensured equal treatment of all internet traffic. As a result, ISPs gained more flexibility in managing their networks and could prioritize certain types of content or services.
• Discuss the implications of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order on consumers and content providers.
  • The implications of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order are significant for both consumers and content providers. For consumers, the potential for ISPs to engage in practices like throttling or prioritizing content raises concerns about access fairness and equality. Content providers may find themselves at a disadvantage if ISPs choose to favor certain websites or services over others, impacting competition and innovation in the online marketplace.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order on the future of internet access and regulation in the United States.
  • Evaluating the long-term effects of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order reveals complex challenges for future internet access and regulation. As deregulation continues, there's a risk of creating an uneven playing field where larger companies can pay for better access while smaller startups struggle. Additionally, public sentiment may drive states to adopt their own regulations, leading to a fragmented approach across the country. Ultimately, these developments could shape a landscape where access disparities grow wider unless comprehensive federal legislation re-establishes protective measures.

Related terms

Net Neutrality: The principle that internet service providers must treat all data on the internet equally, without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, platform, application, or method of communication.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): An independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Title II: A classification under the Communications Act that allows the FCC to regulate telecommunications services as common carriers, ensuring strict rules against unfair practices.