US state of Washington introduces its own net neutrality rules
The US state of Washington, with Democratic and Republican support, has passed a law that introduces its own net neutrality rules. According to Governor Jay Inslee, this is a reaction to the failure of the US Congress.
According to Inslee, the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal net neutrality rules is a clear example of the Trump administration putting powerful corporate interests ahead of those of millions of Americans, the AP news agency reported.
The new rules in Washington require that any person, including legal entities, who provides broadband internet in the state may not block or delay lawful internet traffic. Paying parties may also not be favored.
Parties are also required to disclose information about performance characteristics, management practices and the commercial terms associated with the product. The idea is that this will enable consumers to make well-informed decisions. Any violations of the rules could be sanctioned under the state’s Consumer Protection Act.
The governor says he is confident that the legislation passed will be legally tenable, even though the FCC, when it repealed net neutrality rules, ruled that individual states cannot enact legislation to overturn the repeal. However, Inslee says states have every right to protect their citizens.
Washington is the first US state to actually initiate and complete a legislative process to restore net neutrality rules. Also in the state of Oregon the introduction of legislation seems imminent. The states of Montana, New York and New Jersey already have their own net neutrality rules, but these are administrative measures that do not involve a traditional legislative process.
Meanwhile, some new tech companies have joined the legal battle against the repeal of net neutrality rules, CNet reports. These include Kickstarter, Shutterstock, and Foursquare. Previously, major tech companies such as Google and Facebook have already expressed their willingness to join any lawsuits against the FCC.
Last week it was announced that Democratic members of the Senate are trying to force a vote on maintaining net neutrality rules. In the Senate, there has been public support for some time from all 49 Democrats and one Republican for a resolution to reverse the repeal. There is still a vote needed for a majority and then there is also the question of whether the Republican-dominated House of Representatives will vote in favor of the plans.