The New York Times reports:
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday outlined a sweeping plan to loosen the government’s oversight of high-speed internet providers, a rebuke of a landmark policy approved two years ago to ensure that all online content is treated the same by the companies that deliver broadband service to Americans. The chairman, Ajit Pai, said high-speed internet service should no longer be treated like a public utility with strict rules, as it is now. The move would, in effect, largely leave the industry to police itself.
The plan is Mr. Pai’s most forceful action in his race to roll back rules that govern telecommunications, cable and broadcasting companies, which he says are harmful to business. But he is certain to face a contentious battle with the consumers and tech companies that rallied around the existing rules, which are meant to prevent broadband providers like AT&T and Comcast from giving special treatment to any streaming videos, news sites and other content.
More from The Verge:
Democrats, activists, and web companies are already coming out in opposition to Pai’s plans. Senator Bill Nelson, ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in a statement that “depriving the FCC of its ongoing, forward-looking oversight of the broadband industry amounts to a dereliction of duty at a time when guaranteeing an open internet is more critical than ever.”
The Internet Association, a group that represents more than 40 top internet companies, including Google, Facebook, and Netflix, said there was no reason to change the rules. “The current FCC net neutrality rules are working and these consumer protections should not be changed,” said the group’s CEO, Michael Beckerman. “Consumers pay for access to the entire internet free from blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization.”
A group of 800 startups and investors, led by Y Combinator, also released a letter this morning directed to Pai, saying, “We’re deeply concerned with your intention to undo the existing legal framework.” While the ACLU and 170 other advocacy groups wrote Pai last month asking for him to preserve the 2015 rules.
The internet belongs to the people – not giant corporations. We won't give up #NetNeutrality without a fight. https://t.co/Ph22N4uS3J pic.twitter.com/9HpTS7tmJB
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 27, 2017
It’s almost as if the Trump Administration was determined to stack the deck against consumers… #NetNeutrality https://t.co/Ix15u3ItBC
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) April 26, 2017
We need an internet that allows for the free exchange of ideas, not one that can be bought by the highest bidder. #netneutrality #FCC pic.twitter.com/t8kUQB1Nki
— Rep. Jared Polis (@RepJaredPolis) April 27, 2017
The idea underlying #NetNeutrality is a simple one: the Internet should be free & open. This is a shameful move. https://t.co/Up2ZQlUasU
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) April 26, 2017
Getting rid of #NetNeutrality = Trump’s corporate takeover of the Internet. Shame on him for trying to take away the free & open internet. https://t.co/M9xThU7HwY
— Tom Perez (@TomPerez) April 26, 2017
#NetNeutrality makes sure that giant corporations—like Comcast and AT&T—can’t pick and choose what content consumers can access.
— Sen. Al Franken (@SenFranken) April 26, 2017