Here Are the Rules the Government Just Proposed to End Net Neutrality Read the full text of the order, which would let internet providers create fast lanes and block apps and services.

By Kif Leswing

This story originally appeared on Business Insider

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Ajit Pai, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

The Federal Communications Commission, led by chairman Ajit Pai, on Wednesday released the final draft of a closely watched plan to reverse a policy of net neutrality, which bars internet service providers from blocking or slowing down web content.

Net neutrality is the concept that all internet traffic should be treated equally, no matter what ISP is carrying it.

Pai's proposal, named the Restoring Internet Freedom order, would reverse a 2015 ruling that classifies ISPs as utilities -- opposed by ISPs and supported by those who say pro-net-neutrality policies encourage innovation.

The main difference from the current policy is that broadband internet access would be classified under Title I of the Communications Act instead of under Title II -- basically, ISPs would be "information services" instead of "public utilities."

This seemingly small change could allow ISPs like Comcast and Verizon to legally experiment with so-called fast lanes for internet traffic, in which they prioritize some apps and services over others. Theoretically, under these rules, an ISP could prioritize its own traffic or even block certain apps or services.

The order also proposes giving significant additional authority to the Federal Trade Commission:

"Our balanced approach also restores the authority of the nation's most experienced cop on the privacy beat -- the Federal Trade Commission -- to police the privacy practices of Internet Service Providers."

Some FCC commissioners have said they will oppose the order.

The FCC will vote on the order at its meeting on December 14.

Read the entire order here.

Kif Leswing

Contributing Writer

Kif Leswing has been a contributing writer for Fortune since 2015.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Franchise

The 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018

Here's everything you need to know about the startup costs, training and investment opportunities from the top 10 companies in our Franchise 500.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business Ideas

Is Your Business Healthy? Why Every Entrepreneur Needs To Do These 3 Checkups Every Year

You can't plan for the new year until you complete these checkups.

Business News

A New Hampshire City Was Named the Hottest Housing Market in the U.S. This Year. Here's the Top 10 for 2024.

Zillow released its annual lists featuring the top housing markets, small towns, coastal cities, and geographic regions. Here's a look at the top real estate markets and towns in 2024.

Leadership

The End of Bureaucracy — How Leadership Must Evolve in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

What if bureaucracy, the very system designed to maintain order, is now the greatest obstacle to progress?