Consumer advocates criticise new rule overthrowing 'Net Neutrality'

Public policy experts and consumer advocated were reportedly quick to slam the recent decision of the US Federal Appeals Court striking down an FCC ruling meant to prevent an Internet service provider from prioritizing some website traffic over others.

Senior policy counsel for the think tank Open Technology Institute, Sarah Morris, the FCC's Open Internet Rules represented an important, if imperfect, regulatory intervention to preserve the ability of broadband consumers to access the content of their choosing.

Morris further pointed out that without these rules, consumers are at the mercy of their providers and business arrangements that could severely limit access to certain content.

According to Fox News, the "net neutrality" rule had been put in place by the FCC in 2010, and was intended to ensure equal access to all types of content so that ISPs don't unfairly fast-track access to their own content over competitors.

However, the court struck down portions of the Open Internet Order after finding that the Commission didn't have the legal basis for its own policy.

Executive Director of ColorOfChange.org, Rashad Robinson said that the ruling, which would force users to pay for specific content, could even be a blow to their civil rights.

Robinson added that the ruling was a serious blow to the millions of Americans who count on the free and open Internet to go about the essentials of their daily lives.

Meanwhile, the FCC said that it was weighing all of its options, including potentially appealing the ruling.

The report said that the ruling is the latest in a years-long battle by politicians and Internet watchdogs seeking to ensure equal access to content.