Net Neutrality: TRAI’s Rules Give Advocates Plenty To Cheer About

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has batted in favour of net neutrality, recommending that internet be accessible without discrimination based on content, said a New Indian Express report.

After a consultation process lasting a year, TRAI came out with recommendations that strive to ensure net neutrality – swimming against the tides of thought in the United States, for instance, where guidelines to ensure equal treatment of all internet traffic is expected to be removed in December.

According to TRAI’s recommendations, internet service providers will be restricted “from entering into any agreement, arrangement or contract” that would have the effect of discriminatory treatment, said the report.

However, TRAI has left specialised services open for discriminatory treatment. Critical Internet of Things services, identified by the Telecom Department and coming under specialised services, will be automatically exempt.

A body of members from various related area like academia, content production, and civil society organisations will also be formed to monitor and investigate violations.