Back in June of 2016, the Federal Communications Commission won an important legal battle against cable and telecom companies. In a 2–1 decision, the court ruled that the FCC was allowed to impose new regulations ensuring that the internet remains an open platform and that powerful telecom companies could not become paid gatekeepers to the access of websites. This affirmation of net neutrality was a big win for consumers and part of President Obama’s internet legacy, characterized by federal statutes protecting consumers’ rights. Now, President-elect Donald Trump vows to obliterate some of the most significant technology policies of the 21st century. Here’s what you need to know about net neutrality and what implications Trump’s technology policies may have on you.
What exactly is net neutrality?
Net neutrality is a legal concept developed by the FCC that, most simply, keeps internet service providers like Comcast and AT&T from blocking, throttling, or paid prioritizing. Essentially, internet providers cannot prevent you from accessing legal content, deliberately slow data speed for certain sites, or charge content providers extra to bring their data faster to you. Ingrained in the fabric of net neutrality is the principle of a free online marketplace, one in which communication, commerce, and knowledge can flow without restriction.
Why is it so controversial?
At the core of the issue is the ever-ensuing power struggle between government regulation and big businesses. In a statement by FCC chainman Tom Wheeler, net neutrality is about “…[ensuring that] the internet remains a platform from unparalleled innovation, free expression, and economic growth.”
Conversely, big internet providers argue that the rules will deter investment in network infrastructure and are an unnecessary and dangerous hindrance to the abilities of companies to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. Other opposition groups believe that the FCC’s actions are unlawful, as the legality of the regulations only stands so long as the FCC reclassifies internet service providers as a “telecommunications service” instead of a more lightly regulated “information service.”
What is Trump’s plan?
In sum, Donald Trump does not support net neutrality, believing it will lead to censorship of conservative media (an issue more closely concerning the FCC’s 1940 Fairness Doctrine ). Despite this possible confusion of issues, Republicans generally criticize the neutrality order and are calling for legislation that rewrites the Communications Act. “There’s a better way to protect consumers from blocking and throttling without stifling innovation or delaying build-out,” said Illinois Representative John Shimkus. The Republican Party is likely to pursue rules that are less burdensome to the industry.
Trump’s transition team members have expressed their opposition to net neutrality, seeing the regulations as extensive government oversight and a “top-down power grab” for government censorship. While there are minimal plans put in place, Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai — who voted against the net neutrality order — is racketing for big cable and telecom firms to continue to challenge the rules in court.
Years of legal battles have helped to ensure that the internet can operate on the principles of openness and neutrality. Business leaders in the U.S. predict that the Trump presidency will challenge or weaken net neutrality in the future as the Republican Party prepares for a renewed policy war against the FCC.
Sources: The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Atlantic 2, Politico, Gizmodo
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