Obama: Regulate Web Like Phone Companies

President Obama spoke out in support of reclassifying the Internet as a utility, which would allow the FCC to regulate Internet service providers more strictly and protect so-called net neutrality. “The time has come for the FCC to recognize that broadband service is of the same importance and must carry the same obligations as so many of the other vital services do,” Obama said in a statement released Monday morning. The president also outlined several major points for how the Internet should operate, including prohibiting ISPs from blocking websites offering legal content, giving certain websites preferential treatment in terms of speed, and offering fast lanes to certain content providers.