BOSTON — Senators faced some criticism from internet industry leaders at a hearing Wednesday, where a new Massachusetts Senate proposal on net neutrality was up for discussion.
Under the new bill, internet service providers would be banned from blocking content, charging fees for faster connectivity and intentionally slowing speed of certain websites. Opponents contend the measure oversteps the state’s authority to regulate an industry under federal oversight.
Sen. Cindy Friedman said the bill is critical to protecting the public from “failures” at the federal level. “This bill would impose critical safeguards to preserve equal access to content on the web, protect our consumers, encourage innovation and ensure that tech-start-ups stay in business,” the Arlington Democrat said. “When the federal government fails to protect the free flow of information on the internet, it is imperative for the state to step in.”