FCC Chairman Takes Key Action On Net Neutrality

Proposed Step Would Protect Online Speech, Says ACLU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski today proposed a clarification of the legal authorities under which the FCC operates, which would preserve the commission’s authority to continue to enforce network neutrality principles. In particular, Genachowski proposed that the FCC begin regulating the transmission component of broadband access as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Communications Act.

The following can be attributed to Laura W. Murphy, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union Washington Legislative Office:

“It is vital that the FCC continue to protect network neutrality against large telecommunications companies that can be tempted to manipulate or interfere with people’s online applications and communications. The ACLU has long called for the FCC to classify the Internet as a ‘telecommunications service’ so that it can adequately protect online speech. Mr. Genachowski’s proposal deserves praise because it would allow the FCC to preserve the freedom and openness of the Internet that Americans expect and deserve.”