The FCC Has Voted To Repeal Net Neutrality, Will Apple Be Impacted It?

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to repeal Net Neutrality rules that dismantle landmark rules regulating the businesses which connect consumers to the internet, granting broadband companies power to potentially reshape Americans’ online experiences. The rules put in place by the United States government back in 2015 under the Obama administration

Now, broadband providers like AT&T, Verizon, And Charter will be allowed to blocking or slow down a user's access to certain websites, as well as potentially charge access to sites and services. The vote passed in favor under FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, along with the two other Republican commissioners Michael O'Rielly and Brendan Carr.

The order passed today by the FCC will eliminate a "utility-style regulation" of ISPs, and also removes any requirement for these companies to refrain from blocking or throttling web traffic. The remaining requirement is that telcos will be forced to tell clients if their content is prioritized over competitors, if they don't they could face penalties from the Federal Trade Commission.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was one of 21 tech pioneers who signed an open letter calling for the cancellation of today’s vote. The Cupertino firm and many other large tech companies previously urged the FCC to reconsider its proposal. Those in favor of keeping ISPs classified under Title II argued that the FCC rolling back the internet's classification as a public utility will hurt net neutrality.

Apple will be impacted by the decision, given its growing dependence on cloud services such as Apple Music, iMessage, iCloud Drive, and the App Store. The company's push into 4K and original video might be severely hampered if throttling becomes widespread.

Via 9to5Mac, AppleInsider, And MacRumors, Image Credit BGR