Could FCC Set Dangerous Precedent?

LOS ANGELES — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to deliver a ruling that could cause concern for the opponents of government regulation of private computer networks.

According to the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI), without even a relevant rule in place, the FCC is about to assert the authority to dictate how a private broadband company exercises control over its network.

The issue surrounds an impending Commission action against Comcast's network management practices over the ISP's limiting of access to BitTorrent sites, which are frequently used for illegal file trading and slow down Internet access for other users.

"Those who favor government control of technology, and our lives, notched a significant victory — they have finally managed to gain the beginnings of real regulatory control over the Internet," Director of the IPI Center for Technology Freedom, Bartlett Cleland, said. "Certainly this will be part of the legacy of the Bush administration — the administration that had government seize control of and regulate the Internet."

IPI filed comments with the FCC in February that stated that "private network companies must have the liberty to manage their networks and experiment with their own business models and no regulatory prohibition against network management practices should be considered."

"This intrusion into the network management practices of a broadband provider may prove to be one of the worst mistakes in communications policy history," Cleland said. "The notion that the FCC or government should have any authority to punish broadband companies without a rule in place is frightening."

According to Cleland, the issue is not simply a debate about the reach of the FCC, but about government intrusion and control over private property.

"Private property is not, and should not be, operated for the good of anyone other than the owners — organizations that do not satisfy their customers will lose in the marketplace as others move in to take advantage of the opportunity," said Cleland.

"For too long, our government — and those who favor government intrusion and hegemony — have rationalized invasive control of our communications systems, including now government dictated rules on systems operations and acceptable use of others property," Cleland added. "It is time to get real and get government — and especially this activist FCC — out of our innovation, our property and our lives."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More