Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a momentous decision in the field of technology policy, declaring its intention to regulate internet service providers such as Comcast and Time Warner as “common carriers” under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. As a result, the FCC for the first time has the regulatory teeth to prevent these providers from prioritizing some content over others, creating digital “fast lanes” that could fundamentally change the nature of the internet. Net neutrality advocates hailed the FCC decision as a big win, while opponents have argued the move will undermine innovation and investment in improved digital infrastructure.

R. David Edelman is President Obama’s Senior Advisor for Internet, Innovation and Privacy.  Edelman was at the center of White House deliberations on this issue prior to President Obama’s decision to publicly endorse Title II regulation – a decision some analysts believe helped precipitate the FCC’s action this year.

Edward Felten, the Robert E. Kahn Professor of Computer Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Center of Information Technology Policy, will moderate the discussion.