Net neutrality repeal takes into effect from today: What it means for you

The way the Internet is governed is about to change from today. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US initiated rollback of the rules, which were meant to keep the Internet service providers from slowing down or blocking internet traffic, in December and it will come into full effect from June 11.

Supporters of net neutrality say the concept will take a hit.

The rules were implemented in 2015, during Barak Obama's tenure, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai had called these rules "heavy-handed" and "a mistake. In May this year, the FCC said the new regulations approved in December, will give providers broad new power over how consumers can access the internet.

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The revised rules were a win for internet service providers, whose practices faced significant government oversight and FCC investigations under the 2015 order. But the new rules are opposed by internet firms like Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc.

Comcast Corp, Verizon Communications Inc and AT&T Inc have pledged to not block or discriminate against legal content after the net neutrality rules expire. A group of 22 states have sued the FCC over the repeal.

AT&T has even said that it backs an open internet and "actual bipartisan legislation that applies to all internet companies and guarantees neutrality, transparency, openness, non-discrimination and privacy protections for all internet users."

The FCC decided in 2015 to reclassify internet service providers as common carriers under a 1996 law. But unlike how utilities are treated, the FCC decided not to impose rate regulations or require broadband providers to file notice of pricing plans.

What is net neutrality?

It is a move to prevent internet service providers from manipulating connection to certain websites - especially the ones in paid-partnerships with the carriers.

Net neutrality pressed for equal access and speed to all Web pages alike with an aim to fight against any influences from deep-pocketed companies.

What can happen after the new rules come into effect?

A move against net neutrality creates a scenario that empowers carriers and internet service providers to deliberately bolster established online platforms and entities like YouTube over emerging ones like Vimeo.

Some countries may even use the power to throttle access to some of the most popular online platforms to promote their local social networking platforms instead.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has spoken in favour of free and non-discriminating internet space.