The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step by reinstating the 'net neutrality' rules that were first introduced in 2015. These rules aim to prevent broadband internet providers from showing favoritism towards certain sites and applications over others. This decision marks a reversal of the 2017 repeal of these rules during the Trump administration.
Net neutrality is a fundamental principle that advocates for all internet traffic to be treated equally by service providers. This means that providers should not engage in practices such as throttling or blocking specific websites or applications, nor should they offer faster speeds to customers who are willing to pay extra.
FCC Chairwoman emphasized the importance of broadband access in today's world, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated that broadband has transitioned from being a luxury to a necessity for individuals and businesses alike.
However, the telecommunications industry has expressed opposition to the reinstatement of these rules, arguing that it represents unnecessary government intervention in their business operations.
The FCC's decision was made through a 3-2 vote split along party lines, with Democratic commissioners supporting the move and Republican commissioners opposing it.
