California reached a temporary agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the implementation of the state’s net neutrality law.
Under the agreement, California will delay the enforcement of its net neutrality law while DOJ will postpone its lawsuit against the state. Both parties will wait for a final court decision on a separate case challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of the Obama-era net neutrality rules.
Advocates for open internet consider the state’s net neutrality law as a “gold standard,” and was set take effect on January 1. It prohibits Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as AT&T and Comcast from taking actions that interfere with consumers’ ability to access internet content.
Under the law, ISPs cannot block content, throttle internet speed or engage in paid prioritization. ISPs are prohibited from engaging in application-specific pricing or zero-rating programs and deceptive marketing.
Earlier this month, ISPs sued California to stop the enforcement of its net neutrality law.
California remains committed to a free and open internet
In a statement, California Sen. Scott Wiener said he wants to see the immediate implementation of the net neutrality law. However, he understands and supports the reason behind the state’s agreement with the Justice Department.
