A federal appeals court has invalidated the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality regulations, which were designed to stop internet service providers from blocking or slowing down content or charging extra for faster delivery.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals made this ruling on Thursday, stating that the FCC did not have the authority to restore the rules put in place during the Obama administration, marking a significant setback in efforts to establish more control over the internet that have spanned a decade.

The topic of net neutrality has often divided political parties, with these rules being revoked during Donald Trump’s presidency. In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that urged the FCC to reinstate the regulations, which led to a party-line vote in favor of reinstatement by the FCC in April.

Impact of Net Neutrality Decision Favoring Trump Administration

While Democrats advocate for increased regulation of internet service providers, Republicans generally oppose treating these providers like traditional phone companies.

This court ruling is an initial victory for the incoming Trump administration, which has committed to dismantling Biden-era regulations.

Brendan Carr, selected by Trump to chair the FCC, has openly criticized net neutrality principles.

“As work continues to roll back what I view as regulatory overreach from the Biden administration, we see this as a significant win,” Carr stated on X.

Jessica Rosenworcel, the former FCC Chairwoman, defended net neutrality as “essential for everyday life.” She expressed hopes that Americans still desire “fast, open, and fair” internet access and urged Congress to step in.

The ruling does not interfere with state laws in states like California, Colorado, and Washington.

Understanding Net Neutrality

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers must treat all data equally without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, platform, or application. This concept was first articulated in 2003 by Tim Wu, a law professor at Columbia University.

Telecommunications companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon have long opposed net neutrality regulations.

Leaders within the internet service industry welcomed the ruling. Grant Spellmeyer, CEO of ACA Connects, a cable trade group, called it a “major victory” in the battle against what he perceives as government overreach regarding the internet.

On the other hand, consumer advocacy groups strongly support net neutrality, arguing that it helps prevent internet service providers from exploiting their influence. These advocates cautioned that consumers might face increased costs or reduced services as a result of the ruling.

“This decision today allows the incoming Trump FCC to sidestep its duty to defend internet users from unfair business practices,” stated Matt Wood, Free Press’s VP of Policy and General Counsel, in a response to the ruling.