Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The New York Times reports:
The Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to dismantle landmark rules regulating the businesses that connect consumers to the internet, granting broadband companies power to potentially reshape Americans’ online experiences.
The agency scrapped so-called net neutrality regulations that prohibited broadband providers from blocking websites or charging for higher-quality service or certain content. The federal government will also no longer regulate high-speed internet delivery as if it were a utility, like phone services.
The action reversed the agency’s 2015 decision, during the Obama administration, to better protect Americans as they have migrated to the internet for most communications.
Ajit Pai, the chairman of the commission, said the rollback of the rules would eventually help consumers because broadband providers like AT&T and Comcast could offer people a wider variety of service options. Mr. Pai was joined in the 3-to-2 vote by his two fellow Republican commissioners.
Three Republican men vote to take away your rights on the Internet. Two Democratic women vote to protect your rights. Tell me again how there’s no difference between the two parties. #NetNeutrality pic.twitter.com/n3Q10yMzWv
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 14, 2017
Today’s ruling by the FCC is dangerous. The internet must remain free and open to all.
New York will take all necessary steps to protect #NetNeutrality.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 14, 2017
This is an egregious attack on our democracy. The end of #NetNeutrality protections means that the internet will be for sale to the highest bidder. When our democratic institutions are already in peril, we must do everything we can to stop this decision from taking effect. https://t.co/8GGrJFMdrU
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 14, 2017
The @FCC just voted to throw away #NetNeutrality, which is central to saving families money, creating good-paying jobs, and empowering small businesses. pic.twitter.com/ReB2ROxWF0
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) December 14, 2017
Minutes after the FCC votes to repeal its net neutrality rules, New York @AGSchneiderman says he will sue to try and stop the rollback https://t.co/vrBKzk7VO1 pic.twitter.com/TSwuPa4J6b
— Mark Berman (@markberman) December 14, 2017