Net neutrality protesters take to the streets

zaynesbill

Protesters want Congress to step in and stop the FCC's vote next week to end net neutrality regulation.

Protesters gathered in front of Verizon stores around the US on Thursday in a last-ditch effort to save the rules governing net neutrality.

The protests were organized by several advocacy groups, including Fight for the Future, in the hope of pressuring Republicans in Congress to stop the FCC from rolling back the controversial rules adopted in 2015 under President Barack Obama.

The FCC is expected to vote next week on a proposal that would repeal regulations prohibiting broadband and wireless companies from slowing or blocking access to the internet and banning them from charging internet companies fees to access their customers faster than competitors. The proposal will also strip the FCC of authority to regulate broadband networks, leaving policing of the internet to another federal agency, the Federal Trade Commission. (Our FAQ explaining what Net Neutrality means can be found here.)

Protesters at a rally in New York City held signs outside the Verizon store near Bryant Park stating "Net Neutrality is Freedom of Speech" and "Keep the Internet Free." There were also posts to social media using the hashtag #StoptheFCC.

In Washington, DC, protesters gathered outside the annual FCC chairman's dinner and were joined by Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who tweeted a picture of herself speaking to the crowd.

Source: CNET

peachyprice

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