On June 12, 2015, the FCC’S Open Internet rules went into effect. These rules are designed to protect free expression and innovation on the Internet and promote investment in the nation’s broadband networks. The rules are ensuring that consumers and businesses have access to a fast, fair, and open Internet. However, President Donald Trump’s pick for chairman of the FCC could challenge all of that. Last Monday, January 23, 2017, Trump picked Ajit Pai as the new head of the Federal Communications Commission; Pai could take over the FCC within the week and he does not require congressional approval since he has already been a FCC chairman. The appointment has raised concerns among Internet rights activists.   

The laws passed in 2015 are already in the sights of Pai. In the past, Pai has voted against strengthen net neutrality laws. Additionally, the former Verizon lawyer and Justice Department employee favors a more hands-off role for the FCC.

“During the Trump administration, we will shift from playing defense at the FCC to going on the offense,” explained Pai. “We need to fire up the weed whacker and remove those rules that are holding back investment, innovation, and job creation.”

The statements that Pai has made has caught the attention of some prominent advocacy groups and some larger companies such as Google and FaceBook.

Craig Aaron, president of communications advocacy group Free Press, said: “Ajit Pai has been on the wrong side of just about every major issue that has come before the FCC during his tenure. He’s never met a mega-merger he didn’t like or a public safeguard he didn’t try to undermine.”

But the appointment was welcomed by telecom giant Verizon, Pai’s former employer, as well as other internet service providers such as Comcast and AT&T.  For AT&T in particular, the move could spell extremely good news. Pai is said to be supportive of the mega-merger between AT&T and Time Warner announced last year.

Although the issue may not seem important to students, in reality it is. For example, this website; since it is not a big name company or mega media outlet, the Internet speed of the website could slow down significantly.

“The issue of net neutrality really isn’t a concern for me,” said junior Katrina Schmolke. “However, I can see the bigger picture of it. Having equality across everything is a very important thing in today’s society.”

On the other side of the argument are students that play video games and watch TV shows from streaming networks such as Netflix. Big companies such as Netflix and Microsoft will be able to have much higher Internet speeds providing smoother gaming and streaming.

“It would be awesome to watch all my favorite Netflix shows in a higher resolution such as 4K,” says college freshman Alex Flenniken. “Although, the thought of big companies controlling the Internet is a terrible thought to me,” explained Flenniken. “It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months.”

The issue of net neutrality will be a hot topic in the Trump administration. Soon Ajit Pai will be the chairman if the FCC, and will have the Open Internet laws in his sights. There is more to come on this very tricky situation.