Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules to ensure an open Internet should not be used to enforce intellectual property law, six public-interest and business groups told the Commission today.
The Commission’s proposed definition of “reasonable network management” under its Net Neutrality rules would allow telephone, cable and wireless companies to prevent the transfer of unlawful content and prevent the unlawful transfer of content. There is no need for those copyright-related exceptions because the proposed rules already provide that ISPs must treat lawful content in a non-discriminatory manner, the groups said.
However, the rules could lead to “excusing overbroad techniques that interfere with lawful activities,” according to a filing submitted by Public Knowledge, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Consumer Electronics Association, Home Recording Rights Coalition and NetCoalition.