Net neutrality: Obama backs equal access to the internet

President comes out against controversial plans to create paid-for 'fast lanes' for the internet

Barack Obama
(Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty)

Barack Obama last night surprised and delighted campaigners for a democratic internet when he came out against plans to end net neutrality in the US, in an intervention which analysts say could prove decisive.

If net neutrality is ended, wealthy companies will be able to pay for their sites and content to be sent to users faster than those of poorer firms or individuals, creating so-called internet 'fast lanes'.

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