The order initiates the door for internet service providers to throttle, block, or charge more for specific content. Major internet retailers, content providers, and social media businesses fear ISPs could start attacking them for faster connections, which would also give a roadblock to smaller startups. Supporters of the rollback say it supports larger investment in internet infrastructure and, perhaps more importantly, aligns with free-market ideology.
The Internet Association said it will “act as an intervener in a judicial action against this order.” An intervener, while not a direct claimant, is granted certain rights by a court to explain or act in a case.
Since the FCC vote to abolish net neutrality rules in December, opponents of the resolution have been preparing to fight it in the courts. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has said he will sue to block the resolution, in part on the basis of millions of apparently dishonest public comments submitted prior to the vote. Legal challenges may also argue that the resolution oversteps the FCC’s procedural government to change rules, though courts have in the past given the agency broad leeway.
Etsy has also said they will take immediate legal action. The filing of a suit or suits against the FCC decision is still continuing, and News has a thorough rundown of the difficulties of the filing process and likely arguments.
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