Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Jessica Rosenworcel is planning to reinstate net neutrality rules that were repealed during the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move follows the Democrats taking control of the FCC, marking the first time since President Joe Biden assumed office. The FCC is scheduled to hold an initial vote on the net neutrality proposal in October.
In 2017, the FCC, under President Barack Obama, reversed the rules aimed at preventing internet service providers from blocking or slowing down internet traffic or offering preferential treatment in exchange for payment. The decision to revoke net neutrality sparked a heated public debate, with supporters arguing for equal treatment of all internet traffic and opponents claiming excessive regulation hampered investment and innovation.
The reinstatement of net neutrality rules would mark a significant shift in the regulatory approach towards internet service providers. It symbolizes a return to the principle of treating all internet traffic equally regardless of its source, destination, or content. By initiating this effort, the new FCC chair aims to restore the protections that were abolished by the previous administration, reflecting a broader push by the Democrats to advance their policy agenda in the telecommunications industry. The upcoming vote in October is expected to generate intense scrutiny and debate on the future of internet regulation in the United States.