Following detailed legal and economic analysis, as well as extensive examination of comments from consumers and stakeholders, the Commission reversed the FCC’s 2015 heavy-handed utility-style regulation of broadband Internet access service, which imposed substantial costs on the entire Internet ecosystem. In place of that heavy-handed framework, the FCC is returning to the traditional light-touch framework that was in place until 2015. Moreover, the FCC today also adopted robust transparency requirements that will empower consumers as well as facilitate effective government oversight of broadband providers’ conduct. In particular, the FCC’s action today has restored the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission to act when broadband providers engage in anticompetitive, unfair, or deceptive acts or practices. The framework adopted by the Commission today will protect consumers at far less cost to investment than the prior rigid and wide-ranging utility rules. And restoring a favorable climate for network investment is key to closing the digital divide, spurring competition and innovation that benefits consumers.

As expected, the FCC voted today to end the 400-page net neutrality rules passed during the Obama administration. Despite the warnings of internet alarmists that the internet would vanish, the world would be in flames, and the living would envy the dead, all websites seem to be functioning the same as ever.

Since the repeal of Obama’s net neutrality rules didn’t end life as we know it, perhaps progressives will take a breath and ease up on the apocalyptic rhetoric.

Kidding. They’ll go back to saying the tax bill will kill us all.