FCC announces plans to resurrect net neutrality rules
The FCC announces plans to resurrect net neutrality laws in the US The Verge
sdgtalks
The commission is expected to hold an initial vote in October later this year.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24953538/1440125578.jpg)
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to reinstate net neutrality rules
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules meant to guarantee fair access to the internet and its information, five years after they were repealed by then-president Donald Trump in 2018.
Previous net neutrality rules and the upcoming vote
Previous net neutrality rules adopted in 2015 classified broadband service under public utility rules and prevented internet service providers from blocking websites, throttling traffic, or charging more for faster access to certain services. According to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the commission is expected to conduct an initial vote on reinstating these rules next month during an October 19th meeting.
Importance of net neutrality
“Net neutrality is one of the most widely discussed issues in telecommunications policy,” Rosenworcel said in a speech announcing the decision at the National Press Club today, although she said the debate often generated “more heat than light.” Rosenworcel condemned the Trump-era FCC’s decision to reverse the 2015 rules, particularly in light of access challenges highlighted by the pandemic. “Broadband is essential infrastructure for modern life. Access to the internet is now access to everything.”
Democrats taking majority control of the FCC
The announcement follows Democrats taking majority control of the FCC on Monday after Anna Gomez was sworn in as a commissioner. The commission had previously been split 2 to 2 on partisan lines since President Joe Biden took office. Biden signed an executive order in July 2021 that contained several provisions relating to net neutrality, encouraging the FCC to reinstate Barack Obama-era rules in those areas.
The new proposal and its impact
The new proposal is meant to closely follow the 2015 rules, which a fact sheet from Rosenworcel’s office refers to as “successful.” In the years since their repeal, net neutrality has largely been a state-by-state issue, with individual states like California passing piecemeal rules in the absence of a federal law.
Challenges and potential delays
Even if the initial vote clears as expected, restoring net neutrality legislation is going to take some time. There will be subsequent votes, comments, and notices that follow, and the process could be held up by lawsuits if any of the impacted broadband providers want to challenge the decision. Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast have previously argued against net neutrality rules and claim that they don’t (and won’t) partake in the kinds of business practices that the legislation is designed to prevent.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the US Federal Communications Commission’s plans to reinstate net neutrality rules. This issue is connected to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Net neutrality rules ensure fair access to the internet and its information, which is crucial for promoting innovation and equal opportunities in the digital realm.
Additionally, the article mentions that the previous net neutrality rules were repealed by then-president Donald Trump. This highlights the importance of strong institutions and the rule of law, which are key components of SDG 16.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
The reinstatement of net neutrality rules aligns with SDG 9.4, as it aims to ensure a sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure that promotes resource-use efficiency and the adoption of clean technologies. By guaranteeing fair access to the internet, these rules contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable digital ecosystem.
Furthermore, the discussion around the repeal of net neutrality rules and the subsequent plans for reinstatement highlight the importance of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions, as stated in SDG 16.6.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, progress towards the identified targets can be measured by monitoring the implementation and enforcement of net neutrality rules. This includes assessing whether broadband service providers are blocking websites, throttling traffic, or charging more for faster access to certain services. Additionally, the establishment of effective and transparent regulatory mechanisms can be an indicator of progress towards SDG 16.6.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theverge.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
