FCC reverses 2015 net neutrality regulations

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted Thursday to eliminate the 2015 Open Internet Order, commonly known as “net neutrality.” The move would grant more power to internet service providers to set their own rules about how much customers pay for internet and what kind of data is prioritized. Critics say removing net neutrality regulations will lead to internet service providers charging customers a premium for the websites they enjoy most. They also fear it could block startup sites from competing with large companies able to pay internet providers more money to receive priority. “For those of you out there who are fearful about what tomorrow will bring, take a deep breath, this decision will not break the internet,” FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly said. In 2015 the Obama administration established the Open Internet Order to require internet companies to treat all online traffic as equal. The FCC voted 3-2 along party lines to roll back the order. Large groups of protesters picketed the vote, and FCC members had to vacate the hearing room for several minutes while officials assessed a security threat. New FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a President Donald Trump appointee, led the effort to end the 2015 regulations. He provided the swing vote Thursday.