The Rise And Fall Of Net Neutrality

From forgotten origins to modern relevance — the full, unfiltered story of the rise and fall of net neutrality.

The Birth of Net Neutrality

It was a warm summer day in 2005 when the seeds of net neutrality were first sown. In a historic decision, the FCC declared that broadband internet should be treated as a common carrier service, much like the telephone network. This simple ruling would go on to have monumental implications for the future of the internet.

At its core, net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all data on the internet equally, not discriminating or charging differently based on user, content, website, platform, or application. In other words, ISPs couldn't slow down, block, or prioritize certain websites or online services over others.

The reasoning behind net neutrality was straightforward: the internet had become an essential part of modern life, and allowing ISPs to play favorites would stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and create an uneven playing field. Suddenly, the future of the open internet hung in the balance.

The Rise of Net Neutrality

In the years following the FCC's landmark 2005 decision, net neutrality gained widespread support from tech companies, civil liberties groups, and the general public. As the internet became increasingly central to daily life, the idea of ISPs acting as gatekeepers grew more and more concerning.

In 2010, the FCC passed its first formal Open Internet Order, codifying net neutrality principles into law. This order prohibited ISPs from blocking or throttling lawful internet traffic, as well as from engaging in "unreasonable discrimination" online. It was a hard-fought victory for proponents of the open internet.

"Net neutrality is the bedrock of the internet as we know it. Without it, we risk a future where a handful of providers control what we can see and do online." - Jane Doe, internet rights activist

Over the next few years, net neutrality became a major political issue, with fierce debates erupting in Congress, the courts, and the public sphere. Supporters argued that net neutrality was essential to preserving free speech, innovation, and consumer choice online. Opponents claimed it was unnecessary regulation that would stifle investment in broadband infrastructure.

Read more about this

The Fall of Net Neutrality

The tide began to turn in 2017 when the FCC, under new leadership, voted to repeal the 2010 Open Internet Order. This decision, led by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, effectively eliminated net neutrality protections nationwide.

Pai and other opponents of net neutrality argued that the rules were burdensome and unnecessary, and that the free market could adequately protect an open internet. However, critics warned that this move would give ISPs free rein to block, throttle, or prioritize certain online content and services.

The repeal of net neutrality sparked a fierce backlash, with several states and advocacy groups filing lawsuits to try to block the FCC's decision. Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the FCC's actions in 2019, cementing the demise of net neutrality as a national policy.

The Ongoing Debate

The battle over net neutrality continues to rage on, with the issue becoming a flashpoint in the broader debate over the future of the internet. Supporters of net neutrality argue that it is essential for preserving the open, decentralized nature of the web, while opponents claim it is an unnecessary government overreach.

In the absence of federal net neutrality rules, some states have enacted their own legislation to protect an open internet. However, the patchwork of state-level policies has created uncertainty and complexity for both consumers and businesses.

As the internet continues to evolve and become even more integral to daily life, the net neutrality debate shows no signs of abating. The fight over the future of the open internet remains one of the most consequential technology policy battles of our time.