The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has lifted net neutrality rules, which were initially established in 2015 to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content equally. These rules prevented providers from blocking access to certain content, manipulating connection speeds, or imposing premium charges for faster access.
The net neutrality regulations were repealed during the Trump administration, but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) attempted to reinstate them in April 2024. However, with the recent ruling from the Sixth Circuit, it appears that these regulations have been overturned once again. This decision is linked to a Supreme Court ruling that limited the ability of federal agencies to impose regulations, effectively diminishing the FCC’s authority over net neutrality.
Judge Richard Allen Griffin emphasized in the ruling that the FCC lacks the legal authority to enforce net neutrality, a stance that follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a long-standing doctrine that provided agencies with interpretive power over their jurisdiction.
Major telecommunications companies like Comcast and AT&T have been significant opponents of net neutrality, while tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Netflix, alongside various consumer advocacy groups, have been strong proponents. Incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed approval of the decision, stating it aligns with the Biden administration’s aim to curtail regulatory overreach.
It is important to note that the Sixth Circuit’s ruling does not affect states that have adopted their own net neutrality rules, including Colorado, California, and Washington. Current FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has urged Congress to establish net neutrality principles into federal law to ensure an open internet for all.