FCC Begins Crafting Net Neutrality Regulations

ceswiedler writes "The FCC has begun crafting rules for network neutrality. The full proposal hasn't been released yet, but according to their press release (warning, Microsoft Word document) carriers would not be allowed to 'prevent users from sending or receiving the lawful content,' 'running lawful applications,' or 'connecting and using ... lawful devices that do not harm the network.' There will be a three-month period for comments beginning January 14, followed by 2 months for replies, after which the FCC will issue its final guidelines." Reader Adrian Lopez notes that US Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain has introduced legislation that "would keep the FCC from enacting rules prohibiting broadband providers from selectively blocking or slowing Internet content and applications." McCain called the proposed net neutrality rules a "government takeover" of the Internet.
Update: 10/24 16:32 GMT by KD : jamie found a Reuters story reporting that the Sunlight Foundation has revealed John McCain to be Congress's biggest recipient of telco money over the last two years — "a total of $894,379..., more than twice the amount taken by the next-largest beneficiary, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev."

Comments

Mr. McCain?

[Pollux]

McCain called the proposed net neutrality rules a "government takeover" of the Internet.

Mr. McCain, since the government pretty much invented the internet, please feel free to step in occasionally to make sure capitalism doesn't drive it back into the ground.

Re:And who ...

[cayenne8]

"Yes, the government SHOULD be regulating network management policies, BECAUSE my ISP has a monopoly. If the ISP decides to cut me off or throttle me because I've violated an unreasonable policy, the government has every right to step in."

But there is a fear that the govt will go beyond network management policy here...and delve into rule of content on the internet. There are fears they may, once they get their claws in, start doing things like trying to have a 'fairness doctrine' on the internet.

Personally, I like it where ANYONE with an internet connection can get one and spout off any opinion on any subject they like.

I remember the days when on TV, when they gave an editorial opinion, they have to give equal time to another point of view. I'd not like to see this requirement for bloggers and the like...especially on the single, non-financially backed individuals who are using their soapbox to make their voices heard. There are plenty of voices out there with all types of opinions, I'd not like to see the govt. require each little guy to give equal time and space (time and bandwidth can be expensive, and this extra burden might squelch some of the enthusiasm people have for posting their thoughts and findings).