Watch Out Internet, Brendan Carr Is Taking Over the FCC

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Watch out Internet, there’s a new sheriff in town! Donald Trump’s pick for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, Brendan Carr, has already set the stage for significant changes. Known for his conservative stance and involvement with Project 2025, Carr has pledged to end the agency’s focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). His appointment has also drawn mixed reactions from various sectors, particularly regarding its implications for Big Tech, Net Neutrality, and U.S. telecommunications policy.

Ending DEI and Setting a Conservative FCC Agenda

Carr has declared that the FCC’s focus on DEI will conclude in 2025, a move aligning with the goals of Project 2025. This strategy aims to remove what Carr described as barriers created by DEI policies. Carr’s statements have been met with applause from conservative circles, who view DEI as unnecessary bureaucracy, and criticism from public interest groups like Free Press, which argue that DEI initiatives promote inclusion in underserved communities. Trump lauded Carr as a “warrior for free speech” and a champion for rural America. However, critics worry that dismantling DEI policies could marginalize disadvantaged groups that rely on equitable telecommunications policies.

Carr’s focus also includes restructuring how the FCC approaches its broader objectives. His critics argue that removing DEI could disproportionately harm communities that have traditionally struggled to access affordable broadband and telecommunications services. Supporters, however, believe this redirection will allow the FCC to prioritize initiatives like expanding rural broadband.

A New Fight with Big Tech: Section 230 Under Fire

Carr’s Project 2025 chapter includes a sharp critique of Big Tech’s dominance and political influence. He has proposed reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Act, aiming to limit the immunity tech companies have when moderating content. Carr’s interpretation would hold companies accountable for censorship, requiring greater transparency in their algorithms and traffic-monetization practices. His plan also suggests anti-discrimination rules for tech firms, ensuring diverse viewpoints remain on platforms.

Critics, such as Jessica Gonzalez from Free Press, argue these proposals overreach the FCC’s jurisdiction, setting up legal battles. However, supporters praise Carr’s willingness to challenge Big Tech, seeing it as essential for protecting free speech and combating perceived political bias.

National Security and Net Neutrality on the Agenda

Carr has also made national security a focal point of his agenda. He advocates banning TikTok and expanding the U.S. Covered List of foreign tech firms deemed security risks. Additionally, Carr supports limiting American firms from providing cloud services to adversarial nations like China and Russia. These moves align with his broader goal to decouple U.S. technology from China and strengthen domestic infrastructure.

Net Neutrality is expected to be another area of change under Carr’s leadership. Trump’s first term saw the rollback of Obama-era Net Neutrality rules, and Carr’s appointment suggests a continued resistance to reintroducing such regulations. This deregulatory approach could benefit internet service providers while sparking opposition from consumer advocacy groups, which argue that open internet rules are vital for fairness and competition.

What Should You Expect from the FCC Under Carr’s Leadership?

Brendan Carr’s leadership marks a turning point for the FCC, bringing a conservative focus to an agency historically viewed as a neutral regulator. From removing DEI initiatives to challenging Big Tech and prioritizing rural broadband, Carr’s policies are set to reshape U.S. telecommunications. While his supporters applaud these bold steps, critics caution that they could result in legal battles and leave vulnerable communities behind. As Carr takes the helm, the FCC will likely become a battleground for competing visions of the future of technology and communication.

Do you support Brendan Carr’s appointment as FCC Chairman?