Net neutrality is idea that everyone's data, whether an email, a bank transfer or a streamed episode of Gotham, are treated equally by internet service providers. In simpler terms, it means ISP don't get to choose which data are easily accessed or which sites are blocked or throttled.
The US Federal Communications Commission has repealed this landmark internet rule and in the process sparkled a court fight that could recast the digital landscape.
This latest move by the FCC under Ajit Pai marks a significant win for internet service providers like AT&T inc, Comcast Corp and Verizon communications inc, because it directly vests in them power of which contents are accessed by consumers.
Net neutrality is an Obama-era rule barring service providers from interfering with access or charging more for certain contents. Companies like Alphabet inc and Facebook inc have urged Trump apointee, Ajit Pai to keep the rule in motion.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters the administration supports the FCC’s efforts. At the same time, the White House certainly has and always will support a free and fair internet.
There has been a backlash at this move, both online and offline before and after the meeting. Outside, protesters angrily called at Congress to overturn FCC's decision.
FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn, denounced the move saying “I dissent because I am among the millions outraged, outraged because the FCC pulls its own teeth, abdicating responsibility to to protect the nation’s broadband consumers.”
A fellow democrat, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a written dissent on Thursday added that "they have the technical ability and business incentive to discriminate and manipulate your internet traffic. And now this agency gives them the legal green light to go ahead.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a Democrat, has said he will lead a multi-state lawsuit to challenge the repeal.
According to Reuters, several state attorneys general said before the vote they would work to oppose the ruling, citing issues with the public comment period. Other critics have said they will consider challenging what they see as weaker enforcement.
The broadband industry cheered the move, adding that it will strengthen real confidence in networks investment. This view has been strongly jettisoned by democrats, Hollywood and giant internet companies like Etsy, Bittorrent, Netflix, Pinterest, Pornhub, Spotify and Wikipedia.
The trade group Internet Association, whose members include content providers Alphabet, Facebook and Pandora Media Inc, is weighing serious legal action while affirming that "the fight isn't over."
According to Guardian, passing the vote is just the latest in a series of controversial moves made by Pai in his 11-month tenure. The FCC has also relaxed local media ownership rules, potentially ushering in a wave of consolidation, cut a high-speed internet internet scheme for low-income families and allowed broadband providers to raise rates for businesses.