By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. appeals court said on Friday it has temporarily suspended the Federal Communications Commission’s reinstatement of landmark net neutrality rules until Aug. 5 as it considers legal challenges from the broadband industry.
The FCC voted along party lines in April to resume regulatory oversight of broadband internet and restore open internet rules that were repealed in 2017 under then-President Donald Trump.
These rules were originally adopted in 2015 and were set to go back into effect on July 22 until the order of the Sixth Circuit US Court of Appeals, which said the delay was necessary “to provide adequate opportunity to consider the merits of the request “. to halt the rules as the legal challenge continues.
The FCC did not immediately comment Friday.
Net neutrality rules require Internet service providers to treat Internet data and users equally, rather than restricting access, slowing speeds, or blocking content for certain users. The rules also prohibit special arrangements where ISPs give improved network speeds or access to favored users.
The rules would prevent internet service providers from blocking or slowing traffic to certain websites, or from engaging in paid prioritization of legal content, and give the FCC new tools to crack down on Chinese telecom companies and the ability to monitor internet service outages .
Restoring net neutrality has been a priority for President Joe Biden, who signed an executive order in July 2021 encouraging the FCC to reinstate rules adopted in 2015 under President Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat.
Under Trump, the FCC had argued that net neutrality rules were unnecessary, blocked innovation and resulted in a decline in network investment by internet providers, a claim disputed by Democrats.
