US Appeals Court Halts President Biden's Net Neutrality Rules: 'The Commission Has Failed To Satisfy The High Bar For Imposing Such Regulations'

The Federal Communications Commission’s reinstatement of net neutrality rules has been temporarily halted by a U.S. appeals court, marking a significant setback to the Biden administration’s efforts.

What Happened: On Thursday, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals imposed a temporary stop on the FCC’s net neutrality rules, reported Reuters. The court thinks that broadband providers are likely to succeed in their legal challenge against these rules.

“The final rule implicates a major question, and the commission has failed to satisfy the high bar for imposing such regulations,” the court wrote. “Net neutrality is likely a major question requiring clear congressional authorization.”

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In April, the FCC voted to reassume regulatory oversight of broadband internet and reinstate open internet rules that were rescinded under former President Donald Trump.

However, the court has now scheduled oral arguments for late October or early November on this issue.

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In response to the decision, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated, “The American public wants an internet that is fast, open, and fair. Today's decision by the Sixth Circuit is a setback but we will not give up the fight for net neutrality.”

Why It Matters: Net neutrality rules mandate internet service providers to treat all internet data and users equally. They are prohibited from restricting access, slowing speeds, or blocking content for certain users.

The rules also prevent ISPs from giving improved network speeds or access to favored users.

The rules would prohibit internet service providers from blocking or throttling access to specific websites or engaging in paid prioritization of lawful content, while also granting the FCC new powers to regulate Chinese telecom companies and monitor internet service outages, the report noted.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Joseph Gruber via Flickr