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What the FCC's net neutrality decision means

Posted at 1:29 PM, Feb 26, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-27 10:24:18-05

The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that the Internet will be more strictly regulated.

The ruling made Thursday is meant to keep networks from discriminating on what runs on their cables, according to CNN Money

The FCC chairman said "no one — whether government or corporate — should control free open access to the Internet," according to NPR.

What this means
The FCC will be able to keep Internet service providers on a leash. The providers won't be able to allow for faster service to companies who pay for the privilege.

Essentially, Internet service providers must remain neutral.

The ruling is a victory for President Barack Obama and Democrats, who have been fighting with Republicans about the regulation of Internet Service. Cable companies and Internet services providers are expected to fight this, so it is unclear when the net neutrality mandate will go into effect.

The New York Times published a video on how net neutrality works: