Net Neutrality Vote a Victory for Free Speech

ACLU Hails FCC Decision to Adopt Strongest Ever Open Internet Protections

February 26, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 212-549-2666, media@aclu.org

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission approved new regulations today reclassifying Internet providers as “common carriers” under Title II of the Communications Act. The rules would prohibit Internet service providers from blocking controversial or competing content or services, and would prevent “fast lanes”.

Gabe Rottman, legislative counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union, had this reaction:

This is a victory for free speech, plain and simple. Americans use the internet not just to work and play, but to discuss politics and learn about the world around them. The FCC has a critical role to play in protecting citizens’ ability to see what they want and say what they want online, without interference. Title II provides the firmest possible foundation for such protections. We are still sifting through the full details of the new rules, but the main point is that the internet, the primary place where Americans exercise their right to free expression, remains open to all voices and points of view.