Why you should care about Net neutrality (FAQ)

A federal appeals court has thrown out the FCC's Net neutrality rules. CNET's Maggie Reardon explains what the ruling means to the average consumer -- and why it really, really matters.

The FCC commissioners (left to right): Ajit Pai, Mignon Clyburn, Tom Wheeler (chairman), Jessica Rosenworcel, and Michael O'Rielly.

(Credit: FCC)

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday struck down rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in 2010 meant to protect the openness of the Internet.
What does this ruling -- and the principles of Net neutrality that it affects -- mean to the average Internet user? While the legal arguments may seem complicated and arcane, the reality is that this court decision has the potential to alter the future of the Internet as we know it. Whether you think these changes will harm consumers or benefit them depends on whom you choose to believe in this ongoing debate.
To help readers get a better understanding of what the court's Net neutrality decision means and to get a handle on what the potential outcomes might be, CNET has put together this FAQ.