Net neutrality regulations were passed in 2015 during the Obama administration to stop providers from giving discriminatory treatment to sites and services that paid them to accelerate their data. The 2015 #netneutrality rules barred internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing internet content or offering paid “fast lanes.”

Under President Donald Trump, the 2017 FCC order granted ISPs sweeping powers to recast how Americans use the internet, as long as they disclose changes. In December 2017, the FCC voted to repeal “net neutrality,” and in 2020 they voted again to keep it repealed. With the repeal, the FCC removed regulations that ensured internet providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast treat all websites and online content equally.

Supporters of net neutrality argue that it preserves the freedom of speech on the internet by prohibiting ISPs from blocking lawful online content. They also contend that it promotes competition by providing a level playing ground for all companies, and protecting consumers by preventing ISPs from charging excessive fees for specific online content.

On the other hand, critics of net neutrality regulations claim that ISPs should be free of heavy government regulations. They believe enforcing net neurality would lower investments/innovations that ISPs provide with internet infrastructure.

A 2022 survey found that a large, bipartisan majority of Americans (73%) support reinstating net neutrality, including 82% of Democrats, 65% of Republicans, and 68% of Independents. The debate question is, should the policy ensuring a "neutral" internet be restored?