As expected, the FCC voted today to end the 400-page net neutrality rules passed during the Obama administration. Despite the warnings of internet alarmists that the internet would vanish, the world would be in flames, and the living would envy the dead, all websites seem to be functioning the same as ever.
Following detailed legal and economic analysis, as well as extensive examination of comments from consumers and stakeholders, the Commission reversed the FCC’s 2015 heavy-handed utility-style regulation of broadband Internet access service, which imposed substantial costs on the entire Internet ecosystem.
In place of that heavy-handed framework, the FCC is returning to the traditional light-touch framework that was in place until 2015. Moreover, the FCC today also adopted robust transparency requirements that will empower consumers as well as facilitate effective government oversight of broadband providers’ conduct. In particular, the FCC’s action today has restored the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission to act when broadband providers engage in anticompetitive, unfair, or deceptive acts or practices.
The framework adopted by the Commission today will protect consumers at far less cost to investment than the prior rigid and wide-ranging utility rules. And restoring a favorable climate for network investment is key to closing the digital divide, spurring competition and innovation that benefits consumers.
Since the repeal of Obama’s net neutrality rules didn’t end life as we know it, perhaps progressives will take a breath and ease up on the apocalyptic rhetoric.
Kidding. They’ll go back to saying the tax bill will kill us all.
Published in Economics, Law, Technology
Since I’m involved in web development, the wailing and gnashing of teeth in my world has been, is, and will continue to be deafening, regardless of what actually happens.
I have a WordPress blog, and the people at Automattic who run it are also gnashing their teeth.
On Tumblr and Patreon, a bunch of the generally-leftist artists are losing their damned minds today.
There’s all sorts of “the internet providers will charge us a LOT MORE” comments – and one of the ones they used was for a FIOS internet package that (all-up) would cost me about $10 less than what I’m paying right now. For faster service.
*** ATTENTIONS ***
This is Paul typing in the blind. If this message should reach you, initiate protocol PANDA. Immediately locate your assigned escape vehicle. Rally point Mars.
Good luck and may Gaya forgive us all.
Fin
Yep, or the non-stop scare “info-messages” from Netscape on how rescinding Net Neutrality was the collapse of all we hold dear and cherish. Meanwhile, @Iowahawk does his usual brilliant tweets.
Negative.
Good night to slip into my jammies, two hand my cocoa mug and watch Kimmel squirt a couple of tears.
I’m confused. What actually is behind the hysteria? I didn’t really understand Net Neutrality in the first place, so I can’t decide if it’s time to stockpile food and weapons.
At least Facebook lets you unfollow the more ridiculous of people for a week. That’s usually long enough for the outrage of the moment to pass.