FCC votes to end net neutrality in US
By Conor Coyle
Date: Friday 15 Dec 2017
(ShareCast News) - The Federal Communications Commission has voted to revoke net neutrality legislation introduced by Barack Obama in order to limit the power of large telecoms firms.
Under the net neutrality laws, broadband providers were not permitted to provide preferential treatment, block or slow down websites of their choosing.
US President Donald Trump backed the proposal to do away with the legislation, which was approved by the three Republicans on the FCC panel, who outnumbered the two Democrats who voted against.
"The Trump administration supports the FCC's effort to roll back burdensome regulations," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
Trump appointed Republican commissioner Ajit Pai to to the FCC, with Pai being one of the most vocal figures behind the removal of the legislation.
"Let's be clear. Following today's vote Americans will still be able to access the websites they want to visit," Pai said at the meeting.
Opponents of the decision have criticised the actions of the FCC, saying that it will drive broadband prices higher and reduce internet freedom.
US senator Bernie Sanders said it is "the end of the internet as we know it."
"The FCC's decision today to repeal net neutrality means the end of the internet as we know it. In Congress, in the courts and in the streets we must fight back," Sanders said.
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