US Republicans aim at online privacy deregulation

Significance

The first item reverses a 2016 rule that limits the number of television stations that broadcasters can own. The second proposal removes public utility-style price capping for high-capacity network connections in areas without much competition between broadband providers. Both proposals are likely to pass. Over the past three months, the Republican majority in Congress and on the FCC have been taking steps to deregulate the broadcasting and internet sectors.

Impacts

• The FCC will put forward proposals that substantially water down the existing net neutrality requirements for ISPs.
• This, along with the online privacy row, will make internet governance issues highly contentious after the 2018 midterm elections.
• A grassroots campaign against both issues is likely to emerge, hoping to replicate the success against legislation such as SOPA and PIPA.