Question

In May 2017 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a proposal to repeal net neutrality rules that govern how Internet service providers treat Internet traffic. Under net neutrality rules, companies that sell Internet services to customers must provide access to all Web sites at the same speed. Without net neutrality, Internet service companies can charge consumers or Web sites a premium for high-speed access to certain sites.As required by statute, the FCC opened up the proposed rule for public comment. The rule received an astonishing 21 million comments. However, a study of the comments by Pew Research showed that only 6% of the comments were unique, suggesting that the comments were part of organized campaigns and possibly generated by computer bots. For example, on nine different occasions, more than 75,000 comments were submitted within the same second. Many of the commenter names and e-mail addresses also appeared to be fake.A. Referencing the scenario, describe the function being carried out by the FCC.B. Explain how interest groups can affect the process described in part A.C. In December of 2017, the FCC created the rule ending net neutrality. Explain how Congress could respond to the decision made by the FCC if it opposes the new rule.

Answer 1

The FCC's function is to propose and potentially repeal net neutrality rules. Interest groups can influence the FCC's decision-making process. Congress can respond to the FCC's decision by passing legislation or using the Congressional Review Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for creating and enforcing rules that govern how Internet service providers treat Internet traffic. Their function in this scenario is to propose and potentially repeal net neutrality rules, which ensure that companies must provide equal access to all webistes at the same speed.

Interest groups can affect the process carried out by the FCC by lobbying, advocating, and organizing campaigns to support or oppose the proposed rules. These groups can influence public opinion and potentially sway the decision-making process of the FCC.

If Congress opposes the FCC's decision to end net neutrality, they have the power to override the decision by passing legislation. Congress can introduce a bill to reinstate net neutrality rules or challenge the FCC's decision through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to review and potentially overturn regulations issued by federal agencies.

Answer 2

The FCC is executing a rule making process related to net neutrality, where public comments are invited. Interest groups can influence this process through campaigns and possibly artificial submissions. If Congress opposes the FCC's repeal of net neutrality, it can legislate to reinstate protections or use the Congressional Review Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

Function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in the United States. In the context of the scenario, the FCC is carrying out a rulemaking process, which is the procedure that government agencies use to create, modify, or repeal regulations. The FCC opened a proposal to repeal net neutrality rules for public comment, which is a standard step to allow citizens and stakeholders to participate in the policy-making process.

Influence of Interest Groups

Interest groups can significantly affect the rule making process carried out by the FCC. They may organize campaigns to generate public comments in support of or opposition to proposed rules. These groups can also use computer bots to submit large numbers of comments to show strong support or rejection from the public, although the authenticity of such comments can be questionable, as observed in the Pew Research study.

Congressional Response to FCC's Decisions

If Congress opposes the new rule enacted by the FCC that ends net neutrality, it has the authority to respond in various ways. One approach is for Congress to pass legislation that reinstates net neutrality protections by law, effectively overriding the FCC's decision. Additionally, Congress could use its oversight functions to hold hearings and put pressure on the FCC, or utilize the Congressional Review Act to potentially overturn the new rule.