(Andrew Harnik | The Associated Press) This June 19, 2015, file photo, shows the Federal Communications Commission building in Washington. On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, an appeals court upheld "net neutrality" rules that treat the internet like a public utility and prohibit blocking, slowing and creating paid fast lanes for online traffic. They have been in effect for a year. The ruling cements the FCC's authority to regulate the internet more strictly. The agency has already proposed making it harder for broadband providers to use consumer data for advertising purposes.