The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. September 10, 2013 U.S. Appeals Court Hears "Net Neutrality" Case That Could Shape Internet ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., heard arguments Monday in a case that could shape the future of internet access. Verizon is challenging rules issued by the Federal Communications Commission which protect so-called net neutrality by forcing Internet providers to give consumers equal access to all content, regardless of the company's own business interests. Internet freedom groups say the rules defend against corporate abuses and help preserve an open Internet. On Monday, a majority of judges appeared skeptical of the FCC's authority to impose the rules. A decision is likely months away. .