AARP Hearing Center
Background
Net neutrality is the principle that all data that travels over internet networks should be treated the same. Without it, internet providers could act as gatekeepers of the internet. Companies could potentially block or degrade consumers’ access to certain online content or services. For example, they could give preference to their own content.
In recent years, different presidential administrations have put in place or repealed net neutrality rules. A federal appeals court ruled that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacks the authority to put in place net neutrality rules, given a recent Supreme Court ruling scaling back the power of executive agencies. As such, any net neutrality protections may need to come from Congress.
The FCC’s prior net neutrality rules classified broadband internet access as a utility service under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. Title II classifies providers as common carriers that must serve all customers in a nondiscriminatory manner.
NET NEUTRALITY: Policy
NET NEUTRALITY: Policy
Equal access to online content
Congress should require internet service providers to treat all data equally, known as net neutrality. Consumers should be able to use their high-speed internet service to gain access to, use, send, receive, or offer any lawful content or services over the internet.
Internet service providers should not be permitted to block, throttle, or otherwise interfere with lawful traffic that is sent and received over their networks, subject to reasonable network management principles.