FCC Net Neutrality Rules Blocked by Federal Court

On July 12, a federal court in Ohio delivered a temporary setback to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) plans to enforce new net neutrality regulations, halting their implementation until at least August 5. The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati responded to legal challenges mounted by major industry associations and national providers including AT&T, Charter, Comcast, and Verizon, which swiftly contested the FCC’s April decision to reclassify broadband providers under Title II of the Communications Act. The new FCC rules, aimed at restoring net neutrality principles, were slated to take effect on July 22. These regulations prohibit broadband providers from blocking or throttling lawful internet content or creating paid prioritization schemes that could establish a tiered internet experience.