Washington First In Nation To Protect Net Neutrality

OLYMPIA, WA - Washington became the first in the country to sign a bill specifically opposing the Federal Communications Commission's rollback of net neutrality regulations. Net neutrality requires providers to treat all content in a similar fashion, without slowing down or speeding up users' service.

The FCC's decision to repeal this Obama-era rule has been widely criticized by advocates for consumer rights and others. Many are concerned that providers will speed up their own content to put competitors at a disadvantage.

Washington's bill prohibits companies that offer internet services from blocking legal content, applications, services or nonharmful devices. It also prevents providers from impairing internet traffic based on the content users are viewing.

"Today we make history: Washington will be the first state in the nation to preserve the open internet," Gov. Jay Inslee said. “We've seen the power of an open internet. It allows a student in Washington to connect with researchers all around the world — or a small business to compete in the global marketplace."

The law was approved by the state Legislature last month and will take effect on June 6.

Image via Gov. Jay Inslee