The idea of “net neutrality“or a free and open, Internet where people can visit any page, read any article, post any thought and collaborate freely is valued by many in the U.S. A concern for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and others is that a free and open Internet stands largely unprotected. Late last month, the Federal Communications Commission issued new rules to protect open government.

According to the FCC, the rules were developed from a 2009 public rule-making process that received input from approximately 100,000 people. The FCC says the new rules “require all broadband providers to publicly disclose network management practices, restrict broadband providers from blocking Internet content and applications, and bar fixed broadband providers from engaging in unreasonable discrimination in transmitting lawful network traffic.” The rules become effective early this year and you can find out more by reading the FCC’s full statement.