Despite a seemingly benign goal of keeping the Internet equitable for all websites, during a hearing on Sept. 9, a federal appeals court expressed concern that FCC regulations aimed at keeping service provider hands off network traffic went too far.

During the hearing, in which the court accepted oral arguments from Internet service provider (ISP) and net neutrality opponent Verizon, a panel of three judges questioned the validity of the FCC justification for net neutrality laws, The Wall Street Journal reported. Specific concerns were focused on the antidiscrimination provisions that prevent service providers from charging large content producers more despite their higher volumes of traffic.

Verizon says that the net neutrality regulations were a violation of its first amendment rights, arguing that the content its service provides is an editorial choice. Verizon also asserted that the restrictive controls stifle innovation and prevent them from offering new and more attractive services to their customers.