Open Internet Order

Definition

The Open Internet Order is a set of regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2015 to enforce net neutrality principles, ensuring that all internet traffic is treated equally without favoring or blocking specific websites or services. This order was designed to prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from engaging in discriminatory practices and to promote a free and open internet where consumers have access to the content of their choice. It reflects the ongoing debates around net neutrality, balancing the interests of ISPs with those of consumers and content providers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Open Internet Order was officially enacted in 2015 during the Obama administration and aimed to protect net neutrality by classifying broadband internet as a common carrier under Title II of the Communications Act.
2. The order faced significant opposition from various ISPs and was repealed by the FCC in 2017 under Chairman Ajit Pai, which sparked widespread debates about the future of net neutrality.
3. Under the Open Internet Order, ISPs were prohibited from practices like throttling (slowing down) or prioritizing certain types of traffic over others.
4. The Open Internet Order sought to ensure that consumers had equal access to all legal content on the internet, thereby promoting innovation and competition among content providers.
5. Legal battles surrounding the Open Internet Order highlighted the tension between regulation and free-market principles in the technology sector.

Review Questions

• How did the Open Internet Order aim to enforce net neutrality principles among ISPs?
  • The Open Internet Order aimed to enforce net neutrality principles by classifying broadband internet service as a common carrier under Title II of the Communications Act. This classification allowed the FCC to impose regulations that prohibited ISPs from engaging in discriminatory practices such as throttling or prioritizing certain content. By doing so, it sought to ensure that all internet traffic received equal treatment and that consumers could access any lawful content without interference from ISPs.
• Evaluate the implications of repealing the Open Internet Order on consumers and content providers.
  • The repeal of the Open Internet Order raised significant concerns for both consumers and content providers as it potentially allowed ISPs to favor certain websites or services over others. This could lead to a tiered internet experience where users might have to pay more for faster access to specific content, undermining competition and innovation. Content providers, especially smaller companies, faced increased challenges as they could be disadvantaged in reaching audiences without paying for prioritized access, ultimately impacting diversity in online offerings.
• Assess the broader impact of the Open Internet Order and its repeal on public policy regarding digital rights and internet accessibility.
  • The Open Internet Order and its subsequent repeal have significantly influenced public policy discussions around digital rights and internet accessibility. The establishment of net neutrality protections highlighted the importance of an open internet for democratic participation and innovation. The repeal ignited grassroots movements advocating for stronger regulations to protect consumer rights online. As a result, ongoing debates continue to shape legislation aimed at ensuring equitable access to digital resources, addressing issues related to censorship, monopolization, and the digital divide across different communities.

Related terms

Net Neutrality:

The principle that internet service providers must treat all data on the internet the same and not discriminate or charge 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, including radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Broadband: High-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access, playing a key role in how information is transmitted over the internet.