FCC votes along party lines to end 'net neutrality'
Posted: Updated:By TALI ARBEL and BARBARA ORTUTAY
AP Technology Writer
In a vote along party lines, the federal government has ended sweeping net-neutrality rules that guaranteed equal access to the internet.
The Thursday vote at the Federal Communications Commission will likely usher in big changes in how Americans use the internet, a radical departure from more than a decade of federal oversight. The move not only rolls back restrictions that keep broadband providers like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T from blocking or collecting tolls from services they don't like, but bars states from imposing their own rules.
The broadband industry promises that the internet experience isn't going to change, but its companies have lobbied hard to overturn these rules. Protests have erupted online and in the streets as everyday Americans worry that cable and phone companies will be able to control what they see and do online.
That growing public movement suggests that the FCC vote won't be the end of the issue. Opponents of the move plan legal challenges, and some net-neutrality supporters hope to ride that wave of public opinion into the 2018 elections.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican who said his plan to repeal net neutrality will eliminate unnecessary regulation, called the internet the "greatest free-market innovation in history." He added that it "certainly wasn't heavy-handed government regulation" that's been responsible for the internet's "phenomenal" development.
"What is the FCC doing today?" he asked. "Quite simply, we are restoring the light-touch framework that has governed the internet for most of its existence."
Under the new rules, the Comcasts and AT&Ts of the world will be free to block rival apps, slow down competing service or offer faster speeds to companies who pay up. They just have to post their policies online or tell the FCC.
The change also axes consumer protections, bars state laws that contradict the FCC's approach, and largely transfers oversight of internet service to another agency, the Federal Trade Commission.
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, a Democrat who was appointed by President Barack Obama, lambasted the "preordained outcome" of the vote that she says hurts people, small and large businesses, and marginalized populations. She outlined her dissent from prepared remarks before the vote.
The end of net neutrality, she said, hands over the keys to the internet to a "handful of multi-billion dollar corporations."
With their vote, the FCC's majority commissioners are abandoning the pledge they took to make a rapid, efficient communications service available to all people in the U.S., without discrimination, Clyburn said in her dissenting remarks before the vote.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ConsumerMore>>
Pinterest blocks vaccine-related searches
Pinterest blocks vaccine-related searches
Here are the latest headlines from Cheddar:Here are the latest headlines from Cheddar:Amazon dumps NYC headquarters and its promised 25,000 jobs
Amazon dumps NYC headquarters and its promised 25,000 jobs
For example, a Google search seeking Amazon's customer service hotline might turn up fake results at the top of the list.
For example, a Google search seeking Amazon's customer service hotline might turn up fake results at the top of the list.
Amazon says it will not be building a new headquarters in New York, a stunning reversal after a yearlong search.Amazon says it will not be building a new headquarters in New York, a stunning reversal after a yearlong search.Ford recalls 1.5M pickups that can downshift without warning
Ford recalls 1.5M pickups that can downshift without warning
Ford is recalling nearly 1.5 million pickup trucks in North America because the transmissions can suddenly downshift into first gear.Ford is recalling nearly 1.5 million pickup trucks in North America because the transmissions can suddenly downshift into first gear.Target recalls toddler boots over choking hazard fears for kids
Target recalls toddler boots over choking hazard fears for kids
Target is recalling unicorn toddler boots over fears the products pose a choking hazard to kids.Target is recalling unicorn toddler boots over fears the products pose a choking hazard to kids.Mayor de Blasio: Bringing Amazon’s 2nd HQ to NYC is ‘mission critical’
Mayor de Blasio: Bringing Amazon’s 2nd HQ to NYC is ‘mission critical’
Mayor Bill de Blasio says he still believes Amazon's second headquarters belongs in Long Island City.Mayor Bill de Blasio says he still believes Amazon's second headquarters belongs in Long Island City.Morris Heights hopes to take advantage of diversity
Morris Heights hopes to take advantage of diversity
Morris Heights in the Bronx is one of the borough’s most diverse neighborhoods.Morris Heights in the Bronx is one of the borough’s most diverse neighborhoods.Amazon to build delivery station in Hunts Point
Amazon to build delivery station in Hunts Point
Amazon will be setting up a new 120,000-square-foot delivery station in the Bronx to coincide with its new headquarters in Long Island City.Amazon will be setting up a new 120,000-square-foot delivery station in the Bronx to coincide with its new headquarters in Long Island City.6.5 million pounds of beef recalled for possible salmonella contamination
6.5 million pounds of beef recalled for possible salmonella contamination
An Arizona-based company is recalling 6.5 million pounds of various beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
An Arizona-based company is recalling 6.5 million pounds of various beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly installs exhibit at New York Botanical Garden
Glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly installs exhibit at New York Botanical Garden
Glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly is taking over the New York Botanical Garden with a colorful exhibit for the first time in more than 10 years.
Glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly is taking over the New York Botanical Garden with a colorful exhibit for the first time in more than 10 years.
Glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly is taking over the New York Botanical Garden with a colorful exhibit for the first time in more than 10 years.
Tax-filing deadline is Tuesday night
Tax-filing deadline is Tuesday night
News 12's Katie Lusso has some last-minute tips for deadline filers.
News 12's Katie Lusso has some last-minute tips for deadline filers.
Top StoriesMore>>
4 injured after flames erupt in 2-story Morris Park building
4 injured after flames erupt in 2-story Morris Park building
Four people are recovering after flames tore through a building in Morris Park early Thursday morning.Four people are recovering after flames tore through a building in Morris Park early Thursday morning.Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. gives 2019 State of the Borough address
Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. gives 2019 State of the Borough address
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and members of the Bronx's community boards met Monday to discuss the fate of homeless people who are currently sheltered at cluster housing sites that the city plans to phase out of existence.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and members of the Bronx's community boards met Monday to discuss the fate of homeless people who are currently sheltered at cluster housing sites that the city plans to phase out of existence.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. gives the State of the Borough address.Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. gives the State of the Borough address.Pinterest blocks vaccine-related searches
Pinterest blocks vaccine-related searches
Here are the latest headlines from Cheddar:Here are the latest headlines from Cheddar:SU hoops coach Boeheim strikes, kills pedestrian on highway
SU hoops coach Boeheim strikes, kills pedestrian on highway
Police say Syracuse men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a 51-year-old man walking outside his vehicle on a highway.Police say Syracuse men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a 51-year-old man walking outside his vehicle on a highway.ACS launches new campaign to help professionals identify child trafficking
ACS launches new campaign to help professionals identify child trafficking
The Administration for Children’s Services has launched a new campaign to help professionals in the child welfare system identify signs of child trafficking in the city.The Administration for Children’s Services has launched a new campaign to help professionals in the child welfare system identify signs of child trafficking in the city.Trump calls on 'Empire' actor to apologize
Trump calls on 'Empire' actor to apologize
Chicago police say "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has turned himself in.Chicago police say "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has turned himself in.What's Going On: Feb. 21-24
What's Going On: Feb. 21-24
Here's a look at what's going on this weekend in the Bronx.Here's a look at what's going on this weekend in the Bronx.Country singer Miranda Lambert's NYPD husband is taken off patrol duty
Country singer Miranda Lambert's NYPD husband is taken off patrol duty
Country singer Miranda Lambert's NYPD husband is taken off patrol dutyPoll: National Sticky Bun Day
Poll: National Sticky Bun Day
Today is National Sticky Bun Day. Do you love the sweet breakfast treat?Today is National Sticky Bun Day. Do you love the sweet breakfast treat?Food Fight: Tell us where you like to eat!
Food Fight: Tell us where you like to eat!
News 12 The Bronx is holding a battle of the best eats around! Tell us where you like to eat!News 12 The Bronx is holding a battle of the best eats around! Tell us where you like to eat!