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As 2010 dawns, FCC moves toward Net neutrality rules
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission, in taking the first step toward creating Net neutrality rules in 2009, has reignited a contentious debate about government regulation of the Internet.
Opponents of new Net neutrality rules argue that an FCC proposal released in October would create intrusive new rules for the Internet and would mark a major shift in the U.S. government's generally hands-off approach to Web regulation. The FCC's proposed Net neutrality rules would, among other things, require Internet service providers to "treat lawful content, applications, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner."
New rules aren't needed, because there have been few examples of broadband providers blocking or slowing Web content and applications, critics said.