Overview

• The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated the FCC's 2024 net neutrality rules, declaring broadband an 'information service' not subject to heavy regulation under Title II of the Communications Act.
• The ruling follows the Supreme Court's 2024 repeal of the Chevron doctrine, which previously allowed federal agencies significant leeway in interpreting ambiguous statutes.
• Internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Verizon gain greater freedom to manage networks, potentially introducing tiered pricing and prioritization of traffic for a fee.
• Critics warn the absence of net neutrality could increase costs for consumers, limit competition, and disadvantage smaller content providers and startups in favor of tech giants and ISPs.
• The decision intensifies calls for Congress to legislate net neutrality protections, as state-level rules and market-driven approaches remain fragmented and inconsistent.