US authorities repeal net neutrality

The Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal Obama-era net neutrality protections, CNN reports. 

The net neutrality act forbade providers from blocking or slowing down any traffic.

Ajit Pai, the FCC chairman appointed by President Trump, has framed the repeal as getting the government to ‘stop micromanaging the internet’.

The repeal supporters also believe the authorities should not intervene with the net in any way.

Technology companies and consumer advocacy groups have loudly protested the repeal effort, arguing it would lead to monopolization and could spell the end of the internet as we know it.

Net neutrality was primarily meant to let users choose content freely and not let corporations force their products  on the consumers.

The internet has become increasingly central to our lives. Any change to how it’s regulated is a hot button issue.

It is not quite clear yet how the repeal is likely to change the net landscape. It is obvious that big companies have enough resources to survive. How the new rules will affect upstart companies remains to be seen.

Experts believe the market is likely to become more aggressive and competitive under the new regulations.

The FCC ruling cannot be considered final. It can still be debated in court. “Each serious decision of ours meets a court appeal,” an FCC associate commented.