Washington became the first in the country to sign a bill specifically opposing the Federal Communications Commission’s rollback of net neutrality regulations. Net neutrality requires providers to treat all content in a similar fashion, without slowing down or speeding up users’ service. Washington’s bill prohibits companies that offer internet services from blocking legal content, applications, services or non-harmful devices. It also prevents providers from impairing internet traffic based on the content users are viewing. “Today we make history: Washington will be the first state in the nation to preserve the open internet,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “We’ve seen the power of an open internet. It allows a student in Washington to connect with researchers all around the world — or a small business to compete in the global marketplace.” The law was approved by the state Legislature last month and will take effect on June 6.
