2010 Open Internet Order

Definition

The 2010 Open Internet Order is a regulatory framework established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure net neutrality and promote internet freedom by preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or throttling access to lawful content, applications, and services. This order aimed to preserve an open and competitive internet environment, emphasizing the importance of equal access to online resources for all users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 2010 Open Internet Order was adopted on December 21, 2010, and marked a significant move towards protecting net neutrality in the U.S.
2. It included rules that prohibited ISPs from blocking lawful content and applications or engaging in discriminatory practices against specific types of data traffic.
3. The order was challenged in court but ultimately upheld by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014.
4. Despite its establishment, the 2010 Open Internet Order faced political opposition and was eventually repealed in 2017 by the FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai.
5. The principles set out in the 2010 Open Internet Order continue to influence discussions around internet governance and net neutrality in subsequent regulatory debates.

Review Questions

• What were the main goals of the 2010 Open Internet Order, and how did it seek to achieve those goals?
  • The main goals of the 2010 Open Internet Order were to establish and protect net neutrality and ensure that all internet users had equal access to lawful content without interference from ISPs. The order sought to achieve these goals by prohibiting practices such as blocking or throttling data traffic and ensuring that ISPs could not discriminate against specific types of online content. By implementing these rules, the FCC aimed to create a level playing field for all online services and protect consumer choice.
• Discuss the implications of the 2010 Open Internet Order for internet service providers and their business practices.
  • The 2010 Open Internet Order had significant implications for internet service providers as it restricted their ability to control and prioritize traffic on their networks. ISPs were required to operate transparently and could not engage in practices that would limit access to certain websites or services. This regulatory environment meant that ISPs needed to adapt their business models to ensure compliance with the rules, potentially impacting their revenue generation strategies while also fostering a more competitive landscape for online services.
• Evaluate the ongoing debates surrounding net neutrality since the repeal of the 2010 Open Internet Order in 2017 and its impact on consumer access to information.
  • Since the repeal of the 2010 Open Internet Order in 2017, debates surrounding net neutrality have intensified as various stakeholders argue over its implications for consumer access to information. Critics of the repeal argue that without net neutrality regulations, ISPs may prioritize certain content over others, leading to a tiered internet experience where consumers pay more for better access. On the other hand, proponents of deregulation claim it fosters investment and innovation within broadband infrastructure. This ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between fostering competition and protecting consumer rights in accessing a free and open internet.

Related terms

Net Neutrality: The principle that internet service providers must treat all data on the internet equally, without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, platform, application, or method of communication.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): An independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Throttling: The intentional slowing down or speeding up of internet service by an Internet Service Provider, which can limit access to certain websites or online services.