FCC Just Voted To Kill Net Neutrality, Americans Have Until Aug. 16 To Fight For Free Internet

Net Neutrality has been a hot button issue since 2014 and on Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal the regulations implemented in 2015. For those who might have given up hope, the fight isn’t over yet. The American public has until August 16, 2017, for the FCC to make the changes final. Anyone who wants to preserve a free and open internet can still make their voices heard.

The FCC vote was a 2-1 case, where both Republicans in the commission voted to repeal the Obama-era regulations while the sole Democrat vote against it, CNN reports. This result is exactly what many proponents of Net Neutrality feared with Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai at the helm.

While the vote is effectively the Republicans waging war against Net Neutrality, Pai insists on keeping up the appearance of championing a free and open internet by saying that the development is actually meant to start a conversation. This is a bit difficult to swallow considering that the FCC website was flooded with comments urging them not to change the regulations, which the commission promptly decided to ignore.

Fortunately, there is still time to push back. The FCC has said that it is ready to hear the American public’s comments on the issue before it makes its final decision a few months from now, Futurism reports. Citizens can visit the commission’s website or this page in order to leave comments in support of the current Net Neutrality rules.

Constituents could also call on their representatives and Senators to voice their opposition of Internet Service Providers being reclassified as Title II services. With a Republican-majority government and a Trump administration that is made up of controversial cabinet members, the best way to preserve a truly open and free internet is to put pressure on leaders.