Image courtesy of Shepard Fairey

Last week the FTC issued a report dismissing claims that the government must help preserve the fairness of online networks in the U.S., according to Ars Technica.

"This report recommends that policy makers proceed with caution in the evolving, dynamic industry of broadband Internet access, which generally is moving toward more - not less - competition. In the absence of significant market failure or demonstrated consumer harm, policy makers should be particularly hesitant to enact new regulation in this area," stated Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras.

Entitled "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy," the report responded to growing concerns from "Net Neutrality" proponents. The loose guideline for policy makers and legislators suggests the FTC finds no evidence of a problem to begin with, and is washing its hands of the matter.

According to Ars Technica, the response will prove a delight for telecoms, which have in essence been "cleared […] of any wrong-doing in their network management so far."

In a diplomatic stance, however, the FTC asserted it would continue to monitor the situation and also said "increased awareness" of the debate would help monitor the need for government regulation.

"Consumers—particularly online consumers—have a powerful collective voice," the report acknowledged. "In the area of broadband Internet access, they have revealed a strong preference for the current open access to Internet content and applications."