BOSTON — A new bill aims to protect Bay Staters from the potential effects of the FCC’s decision to kill net neutrality.
Senator Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) on Tuesday introduced ‘An Act Protecting Consumers by Prohibiting Blocking, Throttling, or Paid Prioritization in the Provision of Internet Service.’
Net Neutrality is the principal that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally. Without protections instituted by the Obama administration, which were struck down by the FCC this month, ISPs could charge extra based on which sites users are trying to visit.
They could also create paid fast lanes by throttling speeds for sites that don’t pay.
MORE: 5 things to know about the FCC's net neutrality repeal
“A free and open internet is the foundation of communication in our modern society,” said L’Italien. “Net neutrality has paved the way for people to share ideas, educate themselves, and make a living. A free flow of information and opportunity for small businesses are two of the ideals this country was founded on. The recent FCC rollback blocks free speech and access to opportunity.”
Net neutrality was protected by the Obama administration because more than half of Americans have little to no choice over who their Internet Service Provider is.
L’Italien’s bill, co-sponsored by Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill), would prohibit ISPs from infringing on the principles of net neutrality.
MORE: 25 Investigates: Thousands of Mass. IDs stolen to lobby for more expensive internet