March 13th, 2015
Following the FCC’s February 26th adoption of new rules governing so-called ‘Net Neutrality, the agency finally made public the full document yesterday (3/12).
A release from the FCC says the new rules — voted in on a 3-2 strictly party line vote — are “grounded in the strongest possible legal foundation by relying on multiple sources of authority, including: Title II of the Communications Act andSection 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.”
The release further highlights three designated “Bright Line Rules” summarizing the primary directives of the Open Internet Order:
• No Blocking: Broadband providers may not block access to legal content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.
• No Throttling: Broadband providers may not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.
• No Paid Prioritization: Broadband providers may not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful traffic in exchange for consideration of any kind—in other words, no “fast lanes.” This rule also bans ISPs from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates.
Read the full text of the FCC Open Internet Order HERE.
