You know you should already know this. It’s been in the news for more than a decade. But it’s complicated. We get it. Here’s what you need to know about why this arcane subject is back in the press, and what it’s all about.

What is net neutrality?

Net neutrality is the idea that companies that sell internet service—like cable provider Comcast Corp. or wireless carrier AT&T Inc.—shouldn’t be allowed to dictate what content flows over the network, or deliberately slow down or speed up the connections to certain websites. That means if you want to watch a video on Facebook, it should load just as fast as if you want to watch a video on YouTube.

The rules, as generally outlined since 2005, had several main elements: no blocking (meaning internet providers can’t block access to a website); no throttling (meaning internet providers can’t deliberately slow down the website’s connection or make it buffer); no paid prioritization (meaning a website like YouTube can’t pay an internet provider to ensure consistently fast loading times); and transparency (meaning internet providers have to disclose how they manage internet speeds).

Why do people care about internet providers doing this?