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Refresh for updates… The vote is in: The FCC has repealed the Obama-era net neutrality rules, which Republican Chairman Ajit Pai prefers we call his “Restore Internet Freedom Order.” Predictably, Hollywood, the broader entertainment industry and many Democratic politicians aren’t happy about today’s 3-2 party-line vote by the FCC, and many are posting their gripes on social media while some are supporting the “reclassification of the Internet.” Here is a sampling:
We’re disappointed in the decision to gut #NetNeutrality protections that ushered in an unprecedented era of innovation, creativity & civic engagement. This is the beginning of a longer legal battle. Netflix stands w/ innovators, large & small, to oppose this misguided FCC order.
— Netflix US (@netflix) December 14, 2017
Writers Guild of America West:
“That FCC Chairman Pai secured the necessary votes today to completely gut the Commission’s open Internet rules is no surprise, but his gift to the ISPs will be challenged in court. The Chairman’s position is not based on what’s best for our nation. In his view the future of the Internet should be decided by a few powerful gatekeepers whose monopoly control over Internet access allows them to decide what content reaches viewers. The WGAW is ready once again to join with its coalition partners and take legal action to protect the open Internet.”
Jean Prewitt, President & CEO, Independent Film and Television Alliance
“Today’s 3-2 decision by the FCC to repeal the critical ‘net neutrality’ safeguards established by the 2015 Open Internet Order is a significant setback for the independent sector of the film and television industry and the consumers which we serve. Without the protection of a clear and enforceable legal framework, the internet as a commercially viable means of content distribution for independents is seriously compromised: there is now no restraint on the major service providers to prevent their favoring self-owned or affiliated content, services and applications, and thus preventing diverse and independent offerings from reaching consumers on equal terms and conditions.”
Yaël Ossowski, deputy director of the Consumer Choice Center:
“Today’s reclassification of the Internet by the FCC as a Title I information service will bring us back to the President Bill Clinton-era Internet “soft touch” rules which generated so much innovation and creativity online in the past 2 decades. Consumers will be better off, as companies will be able to invest more to serve the best products at the most reasonable prices. …The best thing for American consumers is for a more transparent, open Internet, free from governmental oversight and control like in so many oppressive countries throughout the world. The FCC made the right decision.”
The @FCC just repealed #NetNeutrality rules in a party-line vote, handing a big win to multi-billion-dollar broadband companies.
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 14, 2017
This is how we overturn the @FCC's awful decision to repeal #NetNeutrality, friends. Thank you, Senator, for your leadership. Time to urge all our Senators and Representatives to support this resolution and restore a free and open Internet. https://t.co/66Hg8KC7Fl
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 14, 2017
BREAKING: The FCC just voted to dismantle #netneutrality. This represents a radical departure that risks erosion of the biggest free speech platform the world has ever known.
— ACLU (@ACLU) December 14, 2017
We did it! #NetNeutrality to be repealed!
Internet Freedom: 1
Communist Nerds: 0
Thank you to all who signed my petition for a free Internet!— Austin Petersen (@AP4Liberty) December 14, 2017
Introducing a resolution to undo today’s shameful @FCC vote to repeal #NetNeutrality & to restore these vital rules. An open internet is vital to keeping prices down and protecting free speech, consumer choice & access to public information in our country. https://t.co/2J8vvYySMj
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) December 14, 2017
There's no other way to put this: The Republicans on the FCC who just voted to repeal net neutrality are trying to screw over the American people so a few massive corporations can make more money. pic.twitter.com/QyiSYaNeGE
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) December 14, 2017
2014: How is this app free?
2015: How is this app free?
2016: How is this app free?
2017: How is this app free?
2018: How is this a–(Your Twitter character balance is $0.00, please deposit more bitcoin to complete this tweet)#NetNeutrality— Grayson Hunter Goss (@GraysonHunterG) December 14, 2017
The dismantling of #NetNeutrality isn't ALL BAD. I've listed several of the positives below:
1. Without Net Neutrality people can -*-* [Access the rest of this tweet by upgrading your account with the 'James Willems Jokes Pass' for only $10.99/month!] -*-*
— James Willems (@JamesWillems) December 14, 2017
Dirk Morris, Untangle Founder & Chief Product Officer
“We were greatly disappointed by today’s assault on a free and open internet. This is a sad day for consumers who already had their internet browsing data for sale. The FCC has now opened the door for companies to block, throttle and charge for content––opening the door to censorship and the creation of internet dead zones for those not able pay for service.”
https://twitter.com/ImHighKeyShawn/status/941388331258122240
I would hate to see any hackers see what they can dig up on @AjitPaiFCC and possible collusion between FCC and cable companies trying to destroy #netneutrality
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) December 14, 2017
So, the FCC is corrupt trash. I am pro #NetNeutrality and so disgusted with this "decision" to repeal it. How many kickbacks did you receive @AjitPaiFCC to push this through?! Your interests clearly do not align with, or serve to protect, "We The People!"
— Demetria Obilor (@DemetriaObilor) December 14, 2017
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Deadline
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The post Net Neutrality Repeal Reactions: Hollywood, Politicians & Others Vent Their Anger; A Few Heap Their Praise appeared first on News Wire Now.
