US Court of Appeals rules against efforts to restore net neutrality

Net neutrality may have reached its final hurdle. in A new decision was issued todaythe US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that the FCC did not have the “statutory authority” to enforce net neutrality rules. Court first The rules are banned in August 2024 When the lawsuit was filed today’s ruling center.

Net neutrality broadly seeks to prevent Internet service providers (ISPs) from giving preferential treatment to specific users or content. This prevents things like your service provider charging your streaming service to get faster speeds, or restricting a particular website. Every app, website and user is supposed to be treated equally under net neutrality, making the rules an integral part of a free, fair and open internet.

Since net neutrality rules It was first developed in 2015The FCC’s argument was that its classification of Internet service providers as “telecommunications services” under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 gave it broad authority to regulate them. The decision to redefine ISPs as “information services” during the first Trump administration led to… Net neutrality repealed in 2017

The current FCC voted in favor Net neutrality restored on April 25 This year, but the difference between 2015 and now is a recent radical reinterpretation by the Supreme Court of an important legal principle. In June 2024, the Supreme Court issued two rulings ruling I turned over Chevron doctrinea framework that essentially states that if Congress doesn’t weigh in on an issue, the courts are supposed to defer to government agencies’ interpretation. Now, the responsibility for interpretation rests with the single judge, and the Sixth Circuit disagrees with the FCC’s argument.

Net neutrality rules will remain in place ca And other states, but anything at the federal level would require either an act of Congress or an appeal (and success) to the Supreme Court. Engadget has reached out to the FCC to see if it plans to appeal and will update this article if we hear back.

“Consumers across the country have told us time and time again that they want a fast, open, and fair Internet,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. In a statement After the ruling. “With this decision, it is clear that Congress now needs to heed their call, take responsibility for net neutrality, and put open Internet principles into federal law.”