Net Neutrality To Be Reinstated In The US: Here’s How FCC Will Reclassify Internet To Ensure Fair Access

Net Neutrality took a severe beating in the US in 2018. However, after five years of data segregation, preferential access, and selective speed manipulation bordering on favoritism, the FCC has assured it is working on bringing back fair and non-discriminatory access to the internet.

The Internet, a fundamental need of humanity, which is increasingly becoming a basic essential could once again be free from discrimination, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated. Here's how the agency will amend the basic classification criteria to ensure everyone and every platform has equality of access to the Internet.

The FCC To Reintroduce Net Neutrality In America

After 2010, several American companies proposed the idea of preferential treatment to some platforms under the pretext of offering free access to the Internet. However, after widespread opposition, the core idea of Net Neutrality was upheld in 2015.

However, the joy was short-lived as in 2018, the Trump administration repealed net neutrality rules. Needless to mention, this decision was intensely opposed by internet users, technology companies, and public interest groups. However, little could be done about a Presidential Executive Order.

During the Biden administration, the FCC has decided to bring back Net Neutrality. The path ahead won't be easy or short as the agency will have to alter the very basic classification of the Internet and its access to ensure it is identified as a basic need.

How Does The FCC Plan To Bring Back Net Neutrality In The US?

Net neutrality is all about treating every piece of online data the same. This means no platform or service provider can favor, block, or slow down certain websites or services. Additionally, companies or online services cannot charge extra for specific content.

Simply put, Net Neutrality strives to ensure equal, fair, and unbiased access to everything on the internet. While this may appear obvious, the abolition of Net Neutrality was packaged well.

Internet Service Providers and certain large online companies suggested offering a few benefits and concessions to ensure their products and services received preferential and speedy access.

While this may appear simple, it could also lead to downgrading access to other platforms. Several smaller companies wouldn't be able to pay and ensure reliable and high-speed access to their services.

The FCC has indicated it is aware of the potential dangers of abolishing Net Neutrality. Accordingly, the agency will work towards reinstating and upholding its core principles.

The FCC has proposed classifying broadband internet as a public utility. In other words, the Internet would become a basic essential for human survival, similar to electricity and water.

If the FCC succeeds, it could exercise more control over the ISPs and the online tech giants. Needless to mention, the FCC will have to follow due procedure before Net Neutrality returns to America.