FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules for Web Traffic

Issue will be revisited in the courts
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 21, 2010 12:31 PM CST
FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules for Web Traffic
The FCC has approved the so-called 'net neutrality' rules.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Net neutrality lives, for now: A divided FCC approved new rules today meant to prohibit broadband companies from interfering with Internet traffic flowing to their customers. The rules, however, are likely to face scrutiny in next year's Congress, and the issue will likely ultimately decided in the courts. The FCC's three Democrats voted to pass the rules, while the two Republicans opposed them, arguing that they amount to unnecessary regulation.

In broad strokes, the rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services, such as those from rivals. FCC chief Julius Genachowski said the regulations will prohibit broadband providers from abusing their control over the on-ramps that consumers use to get onto the Internet. He said the companies won't be able to determine where their customers can go and what they can do online. Public interest groups decried the regulations as too weak, particularly for wireless systems. For what Al Franken thinks, click here. (More net neutrality stories.)

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