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The FCC Is Still Tweaking Its Net Neutrality Repeal (techcrunch.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: You may think, from the pomp accompanying the FCC's vote in December to repeal the 2015 net neutrality rules, that the deed was accomplished. Not so -- in fact, the order hasn't even reached its final form: the Commission is still working on it. But while it may be frustrating, this is business as usual for regulations like this, and concerned advocates should conserve their outrage for when it's really needed. The "Restoring Internet Freedom" rule voted on last month was based on a final draft circulated several weeks before the meeting at which it would be adopted. But as reports at the time noted, significant edits (i.e. not fixing typos) were still going into the draft the day before the FCC voted. Additional citations, changes in wording and more serious adjustments may be underway. It may sound like some serious shenanigans are being pulled, but this is how the sausage was always made, and it's actually one of Chairman Ajit Pai's handful of commendable efforts that the process is, in some ways at least, more open to the public. The question of exactly what is being changed, however, we will have ample time to investigate: The rules will soon be entered into the federal register, at which point they both come into effect and come under intense scrutiny and legal opposition.
and see whats in the federal register?
Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
it's actually one of Chairman Ajit Pai's handful of commendable efforts that the process is, in some ways at least, more open to the public
It may have been open to the public, but there were massive numbers of fake responses posted condemning the hackjob "net neutrality" regulation. All this implementation did was create an opportunity to skew the perception of what the public wanted through a misinformation campaign. We still need real net neutrality in law, not a regulation that three people can overturn.
Concerned advocates should conserve their outrage for when it's really needed.
So... don't contact your congressional representatives now when your voice might stand out and be heard? Wait until the last minute flood so that your comments can be drowned out more easily by the anti-neutrality bot spam?
I'm sure that'll work well for everyone.
It's visible to the public, not "open". If it were open, we'd have some say in it (which means it wouldn't be happening.)
You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
You should hold off – and see what happens after the elections in November. That's the new normal according to Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
Did I understand correctly that they actually voted to agree with something which can still thoroughly change? That's the equivalent of having someone sign a check and filling in the amount due after the fact.
"The rules will soon be entered into the federal register, at which point they both come into effect and come under intense scrutiny and legal opposition."
Bit late to do anything about them if they are already in effect at that point.
I think that's the entire point of the protests.
Does this includes regulations against angry customers going to to their headquarters and shooting up the place?
Of course not.
The point of regulations is to setup a set of rules used across the industry to make sure there is a degree of fairness between the provider and the consumer.
In high infrastructure industries such as ISP the choices for the consumer is limited. Thus in many areas choosing an alternative is not an option. In such areas where there is a near monopoly democratic government regulations are needed in order to help keep the general public to have a say in what is acceptable or not. Otherwise there will be a gap in the supply vs demand curve. Where there is a demand for services not offered, or price outside the range of the demand. Which in general causes black market activities. Which being difficult to manage because both sides are in the wrong.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Ignorance is strength. Ajit Pai is an impartial regulator. Welcome to the new Administration.
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I agree we need it not to be a hack regulation, but most of what you are saying is legitimately nonsense. We need a law that actually follows the rules of real net neutrality, not a regulation that 3 people can overturn.
> We still need real net neutrality in law, not a regulation that three people can overturn
I commend you for having the courage to say that here, to agree completely with exactly what chairman Pai has been saying.
A better analogy is probably that it's like they decide to go to the hobby shop, then they get on Google maps to find the exact route to take.
They decided they don't have the legal authority to enforce the 2015 regulations, then studied what they *can* legally do and decided on a general approach. Now they are finishing up the details of what their regulations will be under the current law, while awaiting Congress passing a NN law (or not).
Neutrality at the physical/transport layers is what really matters.
As long as the traffic can flow freely, the people can circumvent censorship---if they care to.
It is a terrible idea written by a terrible power grab attempt by a terrible administration.
Get off my Internet you socialist scum.
This is the exact opposite of a power grab.
You can simply choose a more expensive plastics provider that does not pollute the air and water -- and somehow -- magically -- you'll be able to breathe and drink again!
I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.
Dear Slashdot,
On this article, you only needed to keep the first five words of the headline. The remaining words do not add any clarity.
Just sayin'
I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.