Net Neutrality Gets Voted Down in House

WASHINGTON — In the U.S. House of Representatives, the House Energy and Commerce Committee rejected an Internet neutrality amendment to the Telecommunications Act of 2006, by a 34-22 vote. Backed by House Democrats, the bill was supported by Microsoft, Amazon, Intel and Google.

Net neutrality supporters argue that the Federal Communications Commission should be given the power to stop broadband Internet service providers from charging extra fees for content delivery or other preferential treatment, effectively creating a tiered Internet system.

Net neutrality backers feel that without this amendment on the books it could lead to ISPs blocking traffic or censoring websites.

The buzz over the possibility of a two-tiered Internet was set off in November when AT&T CEO Edward Whitacre told Business Week that his company had every right to offer different Internet packages where AT&T could pick and choose which services get premium billing.

“Did the Bells create the Internet? Did the cable companies create the Internet?” asked Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Ed Markey, who sponsored the amendment. “The answer is no. The Internet was built on a different model, a public interest model, funded by American taxpayers.”

ICANN's Vint Cerf agreed with Markey in an open letter he wrote to Congress, writing, “Telephone companies cannot tell consumers who they can call; network operators should not dictate what people can do online.”

Opponents of the bill like Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton present a vague picture of what Internet neutrality exactly means, stating it’s “still not clearly defined. It’s kind of like pornography: you know it when you see it.”

BellSouth CTO Edward Smith argues that his company should be allowed to prioritize services, offering partners more bandwidth than unaffiliated content providers.

“If I go to the airport, I can buy a coach standby ticket or a first-class ticket,” Smith said.

Democrats could try to revive the bill on the House floor if Republicans permit, but that seems improbable given the reigning Republican majority.

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

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More