US regulators agree to ban on Internet providers from blocking or slowing web traffic

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission has agreed to impose strict new regulations on Internet service providers.

The regulatory agency voted 3-2 Thursday in favour of rules aimed at enforcing what’s called “net neutrality.” That’s the idea that service providers shouldn’t intentionally block or slow web traffic, creating paid fast lanes on the Internet.

The new rules say that any company providing a broadband connection to your home or phone would have to act in the public interest and conduct business in ways that are “just and reasonable.”

Much of industry opposes the regulations, which it says constitutes dangerous government overreach. The rules are expected to trigger lawsuits, which could drag out for several years.