Regulators overturn ‘net neutrality’ rules

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 Thursday to restore what its chairman called “light-touch” regulation to the internet. Story, 2A. What the decision means to you.

Here’s a look at what the developments mean for consumers and companies.

What is net neutrality?

Net neutrality is the principle that internet providers treat all web traffic equally, and it’s pretty much how the internet has worked since its creation. But regulators, consumer advocates and internet companies were concerned about what broadband companies could do with their power as the pathway to the internet — blocking or slowing down apps that rival their own services, for example.

What did the government do about it?

The FCC in 2015 approved rules that made sure cable and phone companies don’t manipulate traffic. The net neutrality rules gave the FCC power to go after companies for business practices that weren’t explicitly banned as well.

What telecoms want

Big telecom companies dislike the stricter regulation that comes with net neutrality rules and have fought them in court. They say the regulations can undermine investment in broadband and introduced uncertainty about what were acceptable business practices.

What Silicon Valley wants

Internet companies such as Google have strongly backed net neutrality, but many tech firms have been more muted in their activism this year.

What happens next

Although the FCC’s two Democrats said they will oppose the proposal, the repeal is likely to prevail as Republicans dominate 3-2. In the long run, net-neutrality advocates say undoing these rules makes it harder for the government to crack down on internet providers who act against consumer interests and will harm innovation.