Guidance for filing a complaint with the FTC regarding internet service provider interference with the open internet.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority over internet service providers through the Federal Trade Commission Act, which gives the FTC the authority to prohibit unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce. Some practices that may fall under this purview include: paid prioritization of internet content by your internet service providers; throttling bandwidth or otherwise impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic on the basis of content, application, service, or use; blocking any lawful internet content, applications, services, or devices; or otherwise interfering with the open internet.
If your internet service provider has engaged in any practice that violates federal law regarding interference with the open internet, you may file a complaint with the FTC. The FTC may investigate these practices to determine if they violate the FTC Act and whether further action is appropriate.
To file a complaint with the FTC about your internet service provider, go to the FTC Complaint Assistant.
• On the left side of the page, select the Internet Services, Online Shopping, or Computers category.
• Once you are in this category, select Internet Services, and then Internet Services Provider.
Once you have made the necessary selections, the online portal guides you through the process of making an (ISP) complaint step by step.
The FTC is also available through a telephone line:
• 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).