What is net neutrality? Rules, debate, and current status

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must handle all internet traffic the same way, so that no lawful website or app can be blocked, slowed down, or pushed ahead of its competitors because of who owns it or because its owner pays the ISP for priority. The rules that enforce this principle draw arguments for and against them. The debate has divided regulators, ISPs, technology companies, and consumer groups for two decades, and US federal rules were adopted in 2015, repealed in 2017, restored in 2024, and struck down in January 2025.