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Following months of debate, the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday voted 3-2 to approve a set of rules governing aspects of the Internet. The two Republicans who voted against approval said the new rules on what is called Net Neutrality, would decrease investment and innovation in related technologies. A cadre of Republicans in Congress immediately vowed to try and block the changes. The FCC Commission’s Democrats approved the deal but thought the regulations could have gone further to protect Internet consumers. The FCC rules regulate how internet providers can deliver services via mobile devices like cell phones, versus desktop and laptop computers. Writing for the Associated Press Joelle Tessler explains that now, Apple can block iPhone users from using third-party applications, meaning that Apple can refuse to allow an iPhone application for the Internet/video phone service Skype, even though the internet provider AT&T can’t block users from accessing Skype. Apple could do this to force users to purchase its own video-phone service. Net-Neutrality advocates have also said the new rules do not expressly prohibit a two-tiered internet from forming. In a two-tiered internet system, a provider like Verizon could speed up a user’s access to Google if Google pays Verizon for the privilege. Groups fear this would stifle innovation and disadvantage small businesses. Social advocacy organizations have stated that this set of FCC rules would negatively impact low-income communities and people of color, because of a greater reliance on mobile phones for internet access. These communities are also the most vulnerable to losing Internet access if the new rules result in higher monthly charges for service.

GUEST: Malkia Cyril, Executive Director at the Center for Media Justice

Find out more at www.centerformediajustice.org and www.mag-net.org.