Internet Deregulation.

• Author: Dean, Danielle
• Position: TRENDS

The Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which the Federal Communications Commission issued early this year, became effective June 11. It repeals net neutrality rules established in 2015 that prevented internet service providers from blocking, slowing down or speeding up the delivery of content, or favoring one website or app over another. Supporters say the new FCC order was needed to replace those "unnecessary" and "heavy-handed" regulations with strong consumer protections, increased transparency and common-sense regulations that will pave the way for better, faster, cheaper internet access.

Many doubt those claims, fearing that repealing net neutrality rules will give major telecommunications companies unprecedented control over how we use the internet. As of June 1, legislators in 30 states had introduced more than 65 bills or resolutions in support of maintaining net neutrality principles. Oregon, Vermont and Washington passed legislation. Governors in...