This decision also violates free speech. People not only work on the internet or check their Facebook and Twitter , It is where they express their 1st Amendment. By this change it allows other entities to impede on American Citizens rights. Winds of change are coming.
FCC ACTS TO RESTORE
INTERNET FREEDOM
Reverses Title II Framework, Increases
Transparency to Protect Consumers,
Spur Investment, Innovation, and Competition
Spur Investment, Innovation, and Competition
--
WASHINGTON,
December 14, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today voted to restore
the longstanding, bipartisan light-touch regulatory framework that has fostered
rapid Internet growth, openness, and freedom for nearly 20 years.
Following
detailed legal and economic analysis, as well as extensive examination of
comments from consumers and stakeholders, the Commission reversed the FCC’s
2015 heavy-handed utility-style regulation of broadband Internet access
service, which imposed substantial costs on the entire Internet ecosystem.
In
place of that heavy-handed framework, the FCC is returning to the traditional light-touch
framework that was in place until 2015. Moreover, the FCC today also adopted robust transparency
requirements that will empower consumers as well as facilitate effective
government oversight of broadband providers’ conduct. In particular, the FCC’s action today has
restored the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission to act when broadband
providers engage in anticompetitive, unfair, or deceptive acts or
practices.
The
framework adopted by the Commission today will protect consumers at far less
cost to investment than the prior rigid and wide-ranging utility rules. And restoring a favorable climate for network
investment is key to closing the digital divide, spurring competition and
innovation that benefits consumers. The
Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order adopted by the Commission takes
the following steps to achieve these goals:
Declaratory
Ruling
·
Restores the classification
of broadband Internet access service as an “information service” under Title I
of the Communications Act—the classification affirmed by the Supreme Court in
the 2005 Brand X case.
·
Reinstates the
classification of mobile broadband Internet access service as a private mobile
service.
·
Finds that the
regulatory uncertainty created by utility-style Title II regulation has reduced
Internet service provider (ISP) investment in networks, as well as hampered
innovation, particularly among small ISPs serving rural consumers.
·
Finds that public
policy, in addition to legal analysis, supports the information service
classification, because it is more likely to encourage broadband investment and
innovation, thereby furthering the goal of closing the digital divide and
benefitting the entire Internet ecosystem.
·
Restores broadband
consumer protection authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), enabling
it to apply its extensive expertise to provide uniform online protections
against unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices.
Report and
Order
·
Requires that ISPs
disclose information about their practices to consumers, entrepreneurs, and the
Commission, including any blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, or
affiliated prioritization.
·
Finds that
transparency, combined with market forces as well as antitrust and consumer
protection laws, achieve benefits comparable to those of the 2015 “bright line”
rules at lower cost.
·
Eliminates the
vague and expansive Internet Conduct Standard, under which the FCC could micromanage
innovative business models.
Order
·
Finds that the
public interest is not served by adding to the already-voluminous record in
this proceeding additional materials, including confidential materials
submitted in other proceedings.
The
item takes effect upon approval by the Office of Management and Budget of the
new transparency rule that requires the collection of additional information
from industry.
Action
by the Commission December 14, 2017 by Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order,
and Order (FCC 17-166). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr
approving. Commissioners Clyburn and
Rosenworcel dissenting. Chairman Pai,
Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel issuing separate
statements.
WC
Docket No. 17-108
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
