US Appeals Court Challenges FCC's Authority on Net Neutrality Rules

The court questions if the FCC can reinstate net neutrality without clear congressional authorization.

A three-judge panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing the FCC's authority to enforce net neutrality rules reinstated under the Biden administration.
The FCC's 2023 decision to restore the 2015 net neutrality rules, which were repealed in 2017, is facing legal challenges from internet service providers.
The court's skepticism hinges on whether the FCC can classify broadband as a telecommunications service, granting it broad regulatory powers.
The legal debate involves the 'major questions' doctrine, which requires explicit congressional approval for regulations with significant economic or political impact.
Major tech companies support the FCC's stance, while telecom industry groups argue that Congress has not granted the FCC such authority.