Democrats prepare bill that would codify net neutrality
VergeOct 13, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans to reinstate Obama-era net neutrality rules annulled under former president Donald Trump.
The move comes a day after Democrats took majority control of the five-member FCC for the first time since President Biden took office in January 2021.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Net neutrality is putting consumers first. All internet users should have equal access to online content without ISPs interfering. Net neutrality also promotes freedom of speech, encourages democratic participation, and prevents censorship. The FCC must prevent ISPs indulging in business practices that perpetuate inequality on the internet.
Establishment-critical narrative
The federal government shouldn't micromanage or throttle an open, competitive internet. Current net neutrality rules are outdated, give the FCC too much control over the ISPs, and make it difficult to innovate or expand networks. Reinstating net neutrality is futile — today's internet is complex and changes quickly, so any adjustments will become obsolete as soon as they are established.