How New US Net Neutrality Rules Are Shaping the Internet Worldwide

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Fuel for the next wave of open Internet activists, or a propaganda tool for dictators? New US network neutrality rules are affecting Internet governance worldwide, reshaping the debate over Internet regulations as some major world powers near fork-in-the-road decisions about how they'll govern their own stretch of cyberspace. But while there's consensus that the US decision will have impacts on Internet freedom worldwide, there's sharp disagreement over whether the new rules will help or hurt.

In general, one's take on the rules' overseas effects correlates closely one's view of the rules themselves, with supporters touting their benefits and critics warning of dire consequences. Proponents of the rules are pointing to Europe, where the US decision landed in the middle of the European Union Parliament's own debate over net neutrality. The most recent proposals in front of the governing body would be a break with the Federal Communication Commission's new rules, as they would allow Internet service providers to prioritize certain types of Internet traffic. The EU is expected to reach a decision in 2015, but some observers say the US decision could change the debate's trajectory by rejuvenating European supporters of stricter net-neutrality standards.


How New US Net Neutrality Rules Are Shaping the Internet Worldwide