A US appeals court has blocked the Biden administration’s effort to restore landmark net-neutrality rules, dealing a significant blow to President Joe Biden’s efforts to promote an open internet. The decision, which cites the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision, found that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacks legal authority to reinstate the 2015 rules implemented by former President Barack Obama.
The net-neutrality rules require internet service providers to treat all internet data and users equally, without restricting access or slowing speeds for certain users. Industry groups, including US Telecom, have opposed reinstatement of the rules, citing concerns that they would stifle investment and innovation in the digital marketplace.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has urged Congress to enact net-neutrality laws, while incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr vowed to unwind additional regulations. The court’s ruling leaves in place state neutrality rules adopted by California and others but may end more than 20 years of federal efforts to regulate the internet.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-appeals-court-blocks-biden-administration-net-neutrality-rules-2025-01-02