Freedom from Net Neutrality

            The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday concerns the repeal of Obama Administration net neutrality rules. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 on Thursday and along party lines to repeal the rules. 

            The Trump Administration called for a lessening of regulations on the Internet, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai held the vote. In remarks before the vote Pai said: “It is time for the Internet, once again, to be driven by engineers and entrepreneurs and consumers rather than lawyers, accountants and bureaucrats.” Pai defended the repeal of net neutrality by informing his critics that they can still Instagram their food, take selfies with their pets, shop for Christmas presents, binge watch their favorite shows, cheer on their favorite sports teams, and drive memes into the ground. 

            Speaker of the House Paul Ryan agree with Pai and celebrated the end of old rules. “Despite its unassuming name, the Obama administration’s net neutrality regulation threatens the free and open internet that has done so much to advance modern society. … The Trump administration’s action to roll back this egregious government overreach into the most innovative space will benefit all users of the internet.”

            In other words we are all free to use the Internet as we choose as long as we obey other laws. Our use of the Internet will return to the way it was before the Obama Administration decided to regulate the Internet as a utility.