2017 repeal of net neutrality

Definition

The 2017 repeal of net neutrality refers to the decision made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate regulations that ensured internet service providers (ISPs) treated all internet traffic equally. This repeal ended the classification of broadband as a common carrier under Title II of the Communications Act, which had previously prevented ISPs from prioritizing certain types of content or services over others. The implications of this decision raised concerns about the potential for discriminatory practices by ISPs, affecting competition and consumer access to information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The repeal was approved by a 3-2 vote among FCC commissioners on December 14, 2017.
2. Following the repeal, ISPs gained the ability to create 'fast lanes' for certain services or websites, potentially leading to unequal access to online content.
3. The decision sparked significant public backlash and led to numerous lawsuits and legislative attempts to restore net neutrality protections.
4. Some states moved to implement their own net neutrality laws after the federal repeal, aiming to protect consumers at the state level.
5. The debate over net neutrality remains a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with ongoing discussions about its impact on competition, innovation, and consumer rights.

Review Questions

• How did the 2017 repeal of net neutrality change the relationship between internet service providers and consumers?
  • The 2017 repeal fundamentally altered the relationship between ISPs and consumers by removing regulations that prevented ISPs from prioritizing certain content over others. Without these rules in place, ISPs could potentially favor their own services or those who pay for better access. This change raises concerns among consumers regarding equal access to information and the overall fairness of internet usage.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of eliminating net neutrality regulations on online businesses and startups.
  • Eliminating net neutrality regulations could have significant consequences for online businesses and startups. Without protections in place, larger companies might pay for 'fast lane' access to consumers, giving them an unfair advantage over smaller competitors who cannot afford such fees. This could stifle innovation as new businesses struggle to reach audiences effectively, ultimately reducing competition in the digital marketplace.
• Discuss the broader implications of the 2017 repeal of net neutrality on future legislation concerning internet governance.
  • The 2017 repeal has set a precedent that may influence future legislation regarding internet governance. As public opinion remains divided on this issue, lawmakers are likely to continue proposing various bills aimed at restoring net neutrality or further deregulating ISPs. This ongoing debate reflects larger concerns about consumer rights, corporate power in digital spaces, and how best to ensure equitable access to information in an increasingly online world.

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 agency of the U.S. government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Title II: A section of the Communications Act of 1934 that allows the FCC to regulate telecommunications services as common carriers, which includes rules against discrimination and unfair practices.