Thoughts on Network Neutrality, the FCC, and the Future of Internet Governance

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to extend rules regulating telephone industry to now cover Internet Service Providers (ISPs), in an effort to preserve network neutrality, which prevents networks from discriminating against content that passes through them. While the author of this text is a proponent of network neutrality and celebrates the FCC's decision, he also expresses concerns about potential negative consequences. He worries that the shift from bottom-up governance by technologists to top-down regulation by lawyers may lead to less neutral networks in the future. The author suggests that instead of setting strict rules, the FCC should establish standards and closely monitor ISPs' compliance with them.