New FCC Rules Keep Internet Accessible

New FCC Rules Keep Internet Accessible

This week the FCC established a set of guidelines which, among other things, ensure that fast and reliable access to the internet will be available on a level playing field regardless of income. The rules, known as Net Neutrality Rules will stop internet service providers from slowing or blocking internet traffic, or for that matter offering faster service, based on additional fees.

FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps (Democrat) felt that limiting access to only the wealthy would in the long run hurt the overall growth and innovation which has been the cornerstone of the internet’s success. The structure of the legislation does not totally prohibit providers from setting data usage pricing tiers but it does make such pricing less attractive and also provides for monitoring by the FCC to address any abuse.

As it relates to unlawful content, the bill does allow the providers to block this type of traffic, however, it is still unclear how this will play out. Under the rules, the provider will bear the burden of proof in showing that the traffic was in fact illegal. If they are not able to do so, the law would act as a platform to open up the provider to a law suit from the originator of the traffic in question.