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Government Takes Step to Regulate the Internet

02-05-2015
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The federal government is taking an unprecedented step to regulate the Internet, just like they do to phone services.

The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday they're pushing ahead with plans to implement a policy called net neutrality.

Supporters of the move say the government needs to make sure Internet companies don't slow down Web traffic by giving priority to big websites like Amazon or Netflix.

Major Internet providers insist they have no plans to create such fast or slow lanes, and they strongly oppose the regulation.

Conservatives say the Internet is working just fine, and they worry net neutrality could morph into heavy-handed government interference that would stifle Internet innovation.

The issue has been hotly debated for years.

Rep. Fred Upton, chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, told CBN News in 2011, "Most Americans think the government doesn't work so hot and the Internet does. Why are we putting the government in charge of the Internet?"

"We're trying to say no. Let it flourish without government regulation," he said.

The issue of net neutrality will likely end up in federal court.

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