In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, passed a bill that protected the Internet from Internet providers who wanted to charge extra for faster internet. This is what is known as the net neutrality bill and was passed in 2015 with a 3 to 2 vote split among party lines with Democrats in support of the bill. The net neutrality bill made sure that the providers couldn’t mess with the internet. If it were to be repealed, then people would have to pay additional charges for the same internet that we get for free today.

The FCC passed this unholy repeal of net neutrality with a vote of 2-3. It is outrageous that the FCC would do this and claim that it’s in the best interest of the consumer. Without net neutrality, providers will seize control of the web and slow down, block, or censor any website they please.

Before the repeal was voted on, there were over 23 million comments, phone calls, and petitions to local and national government to stop the repeal, but these people were completely ignored in favor of multi-million dollar corporations like AT&T and Comcast. 23 million silenced by big businesses.

The Republican part of the FCC voted for the repeal and gave the usual reason, “it’s in the interest of the consumer.” Chairman Ajit Pai even released an insulting video to show what you could still do on the internet after the repeal goes into effect including “buying fidget spinners in bulk” and  “ruining memes.” Commissioner Mignon Clyburn dissented the repeal and gave reasons that were a slap in the face for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

“I take ironic comfort in the words of then-Commissioner Pai from 2015, because I believe this will ring true about this Destroying Internet Freedom Order: I am optimistic, that we will look back on today’s vote as an aberration, a temporary deviation from the bipartisan path that has served us so well. I don’t know whether this plan will be vacated by a court, reversed by Congress, or overturned by a future Commission, but I do believe that its days are numbered. Amen to that, Mr. Chairman. Amen to that,” Clyburn said.

The people of America have rallied behind Clyburn and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel giving a voice of the people to the FCC. The net neutrality repeal has also given strength to the Democratic party with Internet users flocking to them just in time for the midterm elections. Pai may have just screwed over his party by ignoring the millions of people who were unanimously against the repeal.

There is only one way to stop the repeal in its tracks and that is to call your local representative and tell them to vote no when the bill comes to Congress. Only we can stop this. It’s time for your voice to be heard.

https://www.battleforthenet.com

https://www.gq.com/story/net-neutrality-dissent