Net Neutrality Ruling Likely to Alter Web Business Models

WASHINGTON — In a ruling that could likely mean different consumer prices for content and not just speed, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sent rules governing what’s known as net neutrality back to the FCC, saying the agency overreached in barring broadband providers from slowing or blocking selected web traffic.

Both critics and proponents agree that new rules that likely come out of the ruling could alter the Internet's basic business model. And, in turn, potentially affect how adult entertainment is distributed over the web, including the streaming of 4K Ultra HD TV services.

Yesterday's decision could allow Verizon Communications Inc., the appealing party in the case, and other Internet service providers to charge more for movies delivered over broadband to their customers.

U.S. Circuit Judge David Tatel, writing for a three-judge panel, said that while the FCC has the power to regulate Verizon and other broadband companies, it chose the wrong legal framework for its open-Internet regulations.

“Given that the commission has chosen to classify broadband providers in a manner that exempts them from treatment as common carriers, the Communications Act expressly prohibits the commission from nonetheless regulating them as such,” Tatel wrote.

The FCC's 2010 rules, which now have to be reworked, required ISPs that use fiber-optic or other cable to treat all traffic equally and disclose their network practices.

With the decision, the fear among net neutrality supporters is that absent strong regulations requiring ISPs to treat all traffic equally, the Internet will become divided.

ISPs could let big Internet companies pay for faster Internet service and pass those costs on to their customers, while other online companies are stuck at slower speeds. Or they could block access to certain apps or web services that compete with their own.

Or consumers who spend more time streaming or downloading big files over the Internet could be hit with the bill.

Attorney Greg Piccionelli will discuss implicications of the ruling for the adult industry in February's edition of XBIZ World.

View Verizon ruling on net neutrality

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

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

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.

Show More