The FCC is trying to destroy net neutrality and it must be stopped. Join today’s day of action.
So what is net neutrality and why is it important? Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should allow users equal access to all online content. In practice, net neutrality restricts ISPs from blocking content and speeding up or slowing down data from certain websites who pay for priority status. Imagine internet networks as a highway–without net neutrality, there would be fast and slow lanes, and wealthier drivers would be able to buy access to the faster route. ISPs would also be able to restrict content they find objectionable–this could include silencing LGBTQ content. It’s time to raise our voices and push back.
In the coming days, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will begin the process to overturn net neutrality rules. The consequences of overturning net neutrality could have a huge impact on the LGBTQ community. ISPs could make it more difficult for users to access political coverage they don’t like, or resources for marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ community. Additionally, important LGBTQ resources are often provided by smaller organizations and nonprofits, and in a system that would require sites to pay for prioritization or even visibility, the voices of those who cannot afford to pay to be heard will be extinguished.
Major internet companies are joining the action today.
Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, and a host of other tech giants will join with online activists, librarians, minority rights, and free speech groups today in a day of protest against the Trump administration’s plans to roll back rules in what critics charge is a “war on the open internet.”
The “day of action” — which supporters claim will be the largest online protest in history — comes as the new head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US telecoms and media watchdog, prepares to defang tough rules protecting internet access in the US following pressure from cable companies and other internet service providers (ISPs).
Evan Greer, campaign director of Fight For the Future, the not-for-profit group organizing the day of action, said the protest came at a critical moment for the internet. “The internet has had a profoundly democratizing impact on our society. If we lose these protections, then we will lose all that diversity,” she said.
Call your senators and representatives NOW.
Today we join #BattlefortheNet to save #NetNeutrality
1. Call Reps ➡️ https://t.co/u1QOgYqUQK
2. Leave a comment ➡️ https://t.co/IDiVpCswDn pic.twitter.com/taNwWoh8xi— 5 Calls 🇺🇸 (@make5calls) July 12, 2017
