The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal government lacks the authority to regulate internet service providers as utilities, essentially concluding a prolonged legal dispute over net neutrality.
Court Rules Against Biden's Net Neutrality Push
Court Rules Against Biden's Net Neutrality Push
A US court has dismissed the efforts of the Biden administration to reinstate net neutrality regulations, marking a significant setback for advocates of an open internet.
The judges pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling which curtails federal agencies' interpretation of law as a key factor in their decision. They noted that successive administrations, Democratic and Republican alike, have oscillated on net neutrality policies. Brendan Carr, an FCC commissioner appointed by Trump, praised the ruling for ending what he termed the Biden administration's "Internet power grab."
Jessica Rosenworcel, the outgoing Democratic commissioner, urged Congress to take action in response to consumer demands for a fair and open internet, as public support for net neutrality has increasingly been voiced. The principles of net neutrality were initially established under President Obama but were overturned during Trump's administration.
Public knowledge groups criticized the ruling for diminishing the FCC's regulatory abilities, potentially leaving internet consumers vulnerable to practices such as throttling or additional fees. Despite the setback at the federal level, state laws regarding net neutrality remain unaffected, as advocates continue to push for national standards to ensure equal treatment of internet content. The industry group USTelecom welcomed the ruling, claiming it would foster investment and competition among service providers.
The decision comes as the focus on net neutrality has waned since 2018, though remnants of public advocacy persist, urging for renewed protections in a rapidly digitizing world.
Jessica Rosenworcel, the outgoing Democratic commissioner, urged Congress to take action in response to consumer demands for a fair and open internet, as public support for net neutrality has increasingly been voiced. The principles of net neutrality were initially established under President Obama but were overturned during Trump's administration.
Public knowledge groups criticized the ruling for diminishing the FCC's regulatory abilities, potentially leaving internet consumers vulnerable to practices such as throttling or additional fees. Despite the setback at the federal level, state laws regarding net neutrality remain unaffected, as advocates continue to push for national standards to ensure equal treatment of internet content. The industry group USTelecom welcomed the ruling, claiming it would foster investment and competition among service providers.
The decision comes as the focus on net neutrality has waned since 2018, though remnants of public advocacy persist, urging for renewed protections in a rapidly digitizing world.
