US FCC scraps net neutrality rules, will the big service providers rule?

With the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voting against the Obama-era net neutrality rules, internet service providers received a big boostover providing content to consumers.

Internet service providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon Communications will now be able to regulate and perhaps even "manipulate"content accessed and consumed by users over the internet.

In the meanwhile, consumer advocates and content providers plan to challenge the move legally.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The net neutrality rules were passed by the Obama administration in the year 2015 to achieve and promote net neutrality. It was a move to prevent internet service providers from manipulating connection to certain websites -- especially the ones in paid-partnerships with the carriers.

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

Although internet service providers have long been speaking against manipulating or controlling the flow of content to their users, they have never spoken out against paid-content or partnerships.

The American ruling -- led by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai -- is likely to create ripples all across the world including in India where the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently spoke in favour of free and non-discriminating internet space.

A move against net neutrality creates a scenario that empowers carriers and internet service providers granting them the power to deliberately bolsterestablished 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.