US court strikes down federal net neutrality rules

The ruling asserts that the FCC’s expertise in internet regulation does not empower it to override the statutory language.

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The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down federal net neutrality rules, ruling that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not have the authority to regulate internet service providers (ISPs) in this way. The decision challenges the FCC’s attempt to reclassify ISPs as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act, a move to prevent discrimination in internet traffic, such as slowing speeds or blocking content.

The court’s ruling follows the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision to eliminate Chevron deference, a legal principle that typically allows courts to defer to regulatory agencies’ interpretations. With this shift, the judges were free to question the FCC’s interpretation of the law and ultimately concluded that ISPs cannot be regulated as telecommunications services.

The decision has sparked a call for legislative action. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel urged lawmakers to pass laws safeguarding net neutrality, reflecting public demand for a fair and open internet. Meanwhile, Republican figures, including FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, celebrated the ruling, viewing it as a victory against government overreach in regulating the internet.

This legal setback comes as the Biden administration’s push for net neutrality faces increasing challenges, and it remains uncertain whether future attempts to reinstate the rules will succeed.