Democrats are gearing up to fight for net neutrality

A new bill to bring back net neutrality is on its way, spearheaded by Sen Ed Markey (D-MA), one of the open internet’s most fervent advocates. If a legislative solution isn’t viable, Democrats are preparing to pressure the Federal Communications Commission to take measures into its own hands (again). But the FCC awaits a fifth commissioner to provide a Democratic majority. Activists are already lining up to ensure that Biden’s pick for the next FCC commissioner won’t have any ties to the telecom industry. Still, any measure that would put net neutrality rules back in place at the FCC would be subject to yet another reversal under a new Republican-led administration in the next few years, making it even more important for Congress to try to find a solution. State laws are also beginning to go into effect. Nine states have introduced some form of net neutrality legislation in 2021. If more of these laws are approved, it could make legislating at the federal level even more of a challenge with Republicans seeking to make those laws moot through preemption. This momentum in the states could force both Republicans and Democrats to get serious about net neutrality legislation.