A federal court decided on Thursday that U.S. regulatory agencies exceeded their powers by reinstating regulations on Internet providers related to “network neutrality,” going against the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden.
Internet service is considered essential in today’s world, and regulations are needed to prevent unfair practices, like giving preferential treatment to those who can afford to pay more.
Under President Joe Biden’s administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded its oversight responsibilities with the passage of a recent law.
The Ohio State court believed that the rule rejected FCC control and stated that the entity lacked the legal power to enforce its preferred network neutrality policy.
The network neutrality rules prevent providers from blocking, slowing down, or charging extra for the content and applications selected by broadband customers, as stated by the Free Press Internet rights advocacy organization.
Internet service giants have been resisting regulation for an extended period, contending that they should have the freedom to conduct business according to their own preferences.
Matt Wood, Vice President of Free Press Internet Policies, cautioned that the recent decision could lead to the FCC relinquishing its duty to shield Internet users from unethical business practices under the Trump administration.