F.C.C. Votes to Restore Net Neutrality Rules
F.C.C. Votes to Restore Net Neutrality Rules The New York Times
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Restoration of Net Neutrality Regulations
Commissioners voted along party lines to revive the rules that declare broadband as a utility-like service that could be regulated like phones and water.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Thursday to restore regulations that expand government oversight of broadband providers and aim to protect consumer access to the internet, a move that will reignite a long-running battle over the open internet.
Known as net neutrality, the regulations were first put in place nearly a decade ago under the Obama administration and are aimed at preventing internet service providers like Verizon or Comcast from blocking or degrading the delivery of services from competitors like Netflix and YouTube. The rules were repealed under President Donald J. Trump, and have proved to be a contentious partisan issue over the years while pitting tech giants against broadband providers.
In a 3-to-2 vote along party lines, the five-member commission appointed by President Biden revived the rules that declare broadband a utility-like service regulated like phones and water. The rules also give the FCC the ability to demand broadband providers report and respond to outages, as well as expand the agency’s oversight of the providers’ security issues.
Jessica Rosenworcel, the chairwoman of the FCC and a Democrat, said the rules reflected the importance of high-speed internet as the main mode of communications for many Americans.
“Every consumer deserves internet access that is fast, open and fair,” Ms. Rosenworcel said. “This is common sense.”
Broadband providers are expected to sue to try to overturn the reinstated rules.
“This is a nonissue for broadband consumers, who have enjoyed an open internet for decades,” said Jonathan Spalter, the president of a broadband lobbying group, USTelecom. The organization said it would “pursue all available options, including in the courts.”
Introduction
Net Neutrality Regulations
Revival of Regulations
Importance of High-Speed Internet
Consumer Access to Internet
Expected Legal Battle
Broadband Lobbying Group’s Response
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Indicator: Percentage of individuals using the internet.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
- Indicator: Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. | Percentage of individuals using the internet. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. | Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms. |
Analysis
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article addresses the issue of net neutrality, which is related to ensuring universal and affordable access to the internet. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to increase access to information and communications technology. The restoration of regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an effort to protect consumer access to the internet.
The specific target under SDG 9 that can be identified is Target 9.c, which calls for a significant increase in access to information and communications technology, including universal and affordable access to the internet. The article highlights the regulations’ aim to prevent internet service providers from blocking or degrading services from competitors, such as Netflix and YouTube.
The indicator mentioned in the article is the percentage of individuals using the internet. The restoration of net neutrality regulations can contribute to increasing this percentage by ensuring equal access to online services and preventing discrimination by broadband providers.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article also touches upon the importance of public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms. This aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The restoration of net neutrality regulations can be seen as a step towards ensuring public access to information and protecting individuals’ rights to access online content without interference from broadband providers.
The specific target under SDG 16 that can be identified is Target 16.10, which calls for ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms. The article mentions the regulations’ aim to prevent broadband providers from blocking or degrading the delivery of services from competitors, thus safeguarding individuals’ access to information and preserving their fundamental freedoms.
The indicator mentioned in the article is the number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms. While the article focuses on the FCC’s actions within the United States, it highlights the importance of such regulations in ensuring public access to information and protecting individuals’ rights globally.
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Source: nytimes.com
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