A federal appeals court on Thursday ruled in favor of the Biden administration, striking down “net neutrality” regulations enacted last year by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rules 3-0 against the FCC’s recent order that broadband Internet service providers are “telecommunications services” and must follow net neutrality rules. did. Net neutrality rules block broadband providers from changing speeds or blocking connections to third-party websites.
In his 26-page decision, Judge Richard Griffin wrote that because broadband providers provide “information services” and are not telecommunications services under federal law, the FCC has “no legal obligation to impose a desirable net neutrality policy.” There is a lack of authority.”
Griffin said that because broadband providers are information services, they are “not subject to carrier regulation.”
He said: “We believe that broadband internet service providers provide information services and that mobile broadband is a private mobile service for the following reasons.” “Accordingly, the FCC exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the safeguard order.”
The court’s decision comes after multiple broadband providers challenged the FCC’s reinstatement of its “net neutrality” policy in April 2024.
In response, Democratic FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to enact net neutrality regulations.
“Consumers across the country have told us time and time again that they want a fast, open, and fair internet,” Rosenworcel said. “This decision makes clear that Congress must heed their call, advocate for net neutrality, and enshrine the principles of an open internet into federal law.”
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to become the next commissioner, praised the court’s decision, calling it a “victory” for the nation. He said the regulation is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to “expand government control over all functions of the internet ecosystem.”
“We are pleased that the Court of Appeals has reversed President Biden’s internet power grab by striking down these illegal Title II regulations,” he said. said. “But the Biden administration’s efforts to ease regulatory overreach will continue. I welcome the opportunity to advance a policy agenda that will deliver significant results for the American people.”
