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Senate backs effort to restore ‘net neutrality’

(Jacquelyn Martin | The Associated Press) In this Dec. 14, 2017, file photo, after a meeting voting to end net neutrality, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai smiles while listening to a question from a reporter in Washington. The FCC has set June 11 as the repeal date for “net neutrality” rules meant to prevent broadband companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet. Pai says the repeal aims to replace “heavy-handed” rules with a “light-touch” approach to internet regulation.

(Jacquelyn Martin | The Associated Press) In this Dec. 14, 2017, file photo, after a meeting voting to end net neutrality, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai smiles while listening to a question from a reporter in Washington. The FCC has set June 11 as the repeal date for “net neutrality” rules meant to prevent broadband companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet. Pai says the repeal aims to replace “heavy-handed” rules with a “light-touch” approach to internet regulation.

The Senate has voted to kill a Federal Communications Commission rule that repealed the Obama administration’s ban on internet providers blocking or slowing down certain content.

Back in December, the FCC repealed “net neutrality” rules that ensured equal treatment for all web traffic.

The Obama-era rule prevented providers such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from interfering with internet traffic and favoring their own sites and apps. Critics, including the Trump administration, said overregulation was stifling innovation.

Three Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to repeal the FCC rule that was scheduled to go into effect next month. The final vote was 52-47.

Democrats are hoping to energize young voters who support the principle of net neutrality, though the GOP-controlled House is unlikely to go along with the effort.

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By The Associated Press