On June 11th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially repealed the net neutrality rules that had been in place since 2015. These rules were designed to ensure that all internet traffic was treated equally, preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from giving preferential treatment to certain websites or charging extra for specific content. With the repeal, ISPs now have much more control over the online experience, leaving many users unsure and concerned about what this change means for their internet access.

What Is Net Neutrality, and What Changed?

Net neutrality was initially implemented to restrict the power of large ISPs such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast. The rules were put in place during President Obama’s administration to ensure fair treatment for all internet users, preventing ISPs from prioritizing paid content or slowing down certain data. The FCC voted to repeal these protections in December 2017, officially removing the restrictions in June 2018. This decision has sparked concerns across the tech industry, as many fear it could drastically alter the internet as we know it.

Key Rules That Were Removed

The primary regulations that were repealed gave the FCC authority over internet providers, prohibiting three main practices:

• Blocking: ISPs were prohibited from blocking access to lawful content or services.

• Throttling: ISPs could not intentionally slow down data transmission based on content type.

• Paid Prioritization: The rules prevented the creation of “fast lanes” for companies willing to pay for priority access, and “slow lanes” for those unable to afford the cost.

With these rules now gone, ISPs have the power to block or slow down websites and create fast lanes for premium customers, potentially leading to a more fragmented internet experience.

What Does This Mean for Users?

Without net neutrality, internet providers can now prioritize certain content, potentially creating an uneven playing field. They can charge customers more for access to specific websites or services and favor their own content over that of competitors. While these changes won’t be immediate, they raise concerns about what the future of internet access might look like.

Consumers worry that ISPs will start offering different levels of service based on payment, much like the cable industry. For instance, AT&T could offer a special “social media bundle” that includes services like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but charge extra for access to other sites. This could create a tiered internet experience where some content is more accessible than others.

Small businesses and startups, especially in e-commerce, are particularly worried about the impact of paid prioritization. They fear being relegated to a “slow lane” while larger companies get faster, preferential treatment, making it harder for smaller players to compete.

Is There Still Hope for Net Neutrality?

Although the FCC has repealed the net neutrality rules, it’s worth noting that the internet existed without these regulations for much of its history. Some ISPs have pledged not to block or throttle content, but concerns about fairness and access persist.

There are still ongoing efforts to restore the net neutrality rules. A motion has been introduced in Congress that would require the Republican-controlled House to vote on reinstating the 2015 rules. The proposal has already passed in the Senate, and now advocates are pushing for continued action in the House. Additionally, state legislatures are being encouraged to pass their own net neutrality laws, ensuring the fight for an open internet continues at multiple levels of government.

While the future of net neutrality remains uncertain, it’s clear that this issue will continue to shape the conversation about internet access, fairness, and the balance of power between consumers and large ISPs.