Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality keeps the internet free and open — enabling anyone to share and access information of their choosing without interference from companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon. During periods where the United States lacked strong rules protecting the open internet, many of these providers violated Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality is essential to everything we need in our democracy — from educational and economic opportunities to political organizing and dissent.

Net Neutrality is built on the sound legal notion that broadband access must be classified under Title II of the Communications Act, which gives the Federal Communications Commission the comprehensive authority it needs to hold these powerful phone and cable companies accountable. 

On April 25, 2024, the Biden FCC reinstated the Net Neutrality rules the Trump agency repealed and restored its Title II authority. This is a huge victory for the public interest that gave the agency the ability to safeguard the free and open internet — and to protect internet users from ISPs’ privacy invasions, promote broadband competition and deployment, and take action against hidden junk fees, data caps and billing rip-offs.

Unfortunately, industry groups sued to repeal the Net Neutrality rules and overturn the agency’s Title II authority. Free Press and several allies are working to defend the FCC in court. The rules are currently on hold.