Gavin Howe
Net neutrality, or network neutrality, is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all Internet communications equally, offering users and online content providers consistent transfer rates regardless of content, website, platform, application, type of equipment, source address, destination address, or method of communication. In the United States, net neutrality has been a point of contention between network users and service providers since the 1990s. So, what can Americans in support of net neutrality laws do? Net neutrality supporters have used various strategies to make their voices heard, including contacting their government representatives, signing petitions, speaking out on social media, and creating and sharing content online. Additionally, Americans can support organizations advocating for net neutrality, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Fight for the Future. On a legal front, California has passed a comprehensive net neutrality law, and other states are following suit. Furthermore, Congress introduced the Save the Internet Act, which aims to enshrine net neutrality into federal law. While the battle for net neutrality in the US continues, supporters of an open and fair internet must remain engaged and active in the fight to ensure that their voices are heard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans who filed public comments on net neutrality | 4 million |
| Number of Americans who filed public comments on any other issue handled by the FCC | Less than 4 million |
| Date when President Obama called on the FCC to take up the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality | Nov. 10, 2014 |
| Date when the FCC voted in favor of strong net neutrality rules | Feb. 26, 2015 |
| Date when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia fully upheld the FCC's net neutrality rules | June 14, 2016 |
| Date when FCC chairman Ajit Pai unveiled plans to repeal the net neutrality policy in the U.S. | Nov. 21, 2017 |
| Date when the FCC voted in favor of reversing Title II regulations | Dec. 14, 2017 |
| Date when Washington State signed into law the first state Net Neutrality laws | March 5, 2018 |
| Date when the US Senate passed CRA resolution to stop the repeal from going forward | May 16, 2018 |
| Date when the repeal of the FCC's rules took effect | June 11, 2018 |
| Date when California passed a gold-standard net neutrality law at the state level | September 30, 2018 |
| Date when the bill cleared the House on a 232–190 vote | April 10, 2019 |
| Date when Biden signed Executive Order 14036, "Promoting Competition in the American Economy" | July 9, 2021 |
| Date when the FCC voted to restore net neutrality | April 25, 2024 |
| Date when a Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals stuck down the order and ruled that the FCC cannot enforce net neutrality rules | January 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Support state-level net neutrality laws
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has historically been responsible for imposing and appealing regulations on internet service providers (ISPs) to ensure net neutrality. However, the FCC's decision to revoke net neutrality protections in 2017 and the subsequent Supreme Court case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) have shifted the regulatory landscape.
With the FCC's reversal of Title II regulations and the ruling that ISPs are Title I information services, net neutrality is no longer federally mandated. Instead, the legality of how ISPs handle internet traffic differences is now left to individual states to decide.
As a result, several states, including California, Washington, and Tennessee, have taken matters into their own hands by enacting their own versions of net neutrality laws. For instance, California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB822, which comprehensively restored the protections of the 2015 Open Internet Order, receiving bipartisan support and being signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. Similarly, Washington State signed the first state Net Neutrality laws in 2018.
Americans who support net neutrality can advocate for and assist in the implementation of state-level net neutrality laws in several ways:
- Public engagement and advocacy: Millions of Americans have previously demonstrated the impact of public engagement on influencing FCC decisions and state-level laws. By adding their names to petitions, submitting public comments to the FCC, utilizing social media platforms, and speaking with their peers, individuals can collectively advocate for state-level net neutrality laws.
- Political activism: Engaging with local and state political representatives, attending town hall meetings, and expressing support for candidates who advocate for net neutrality can help advance state-level legislation.
- Legal challenges: In the case of California, the enactment of state-level net neutrality laws was met with legal challenges from the US Department of Justice and lobbying groups representing major communication carriers. Supporting similar legal battles and ensuring compliance with state-level laws can be crucial in upholding net neutrality principles.
- Bipartisan collaboration: Net neutrality has traditionally garnered support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Encouraging and fostering bipartisan collaboration, as seen in California's SB822, can increase the likelihood of successful state-level legislation.
- Education and awareness: Educating communities about the importance of net neutrality, its impact on innovation, economic growth, and their daily lives can galvanize support for state-level laws.
By leveraging these strategies, Americans can actively contribute to the implementation and support of state-level net neutrality laws, ensuring a free, open, and fair Internet for all.
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Push for the Save the Internet Act
Net neutrality is a regulatory and competition policy issue that has been a topic of debate in the United States. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory framework for internet service providers (ISPs). The FCC's rulings have had a significant impact on the concept of net neutrality, which revolves around the principle that ISPs should treat all internet traffic equally.
In 2015, the FCC voted in favour of strong net neutrality rules, a decision applauded by millions of Americans who advocated for a free and open internet. This ruling was challenged by several internet providers, leading to a combined case, United States Telecom Ass'n v. FCC, heard by a three-judge panel. Despite the legal challenges, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the FCC's net neutrality rules in 2016.
However, in 2017, the FCC chairman Ajit Pai proposed repealing net neutrality policies, and the FCC voted in favour of this reversal. This decision faced opposition, with the US Senate passing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to stop the repeal. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives' inaction caused the repeal of the FCC's net neutrality rules to take effect in 2018.
To counter this, the Save the Internet Act of 2019 was introduced. This bill aimed to update the regulatory framework for broadband access and restore net neutrality protections. Specifically, it sought to repeal the 2017 FCC order that classified broadband internet access as an information service under the Federal Trade Commission. By restoring the 2015 FCC order, the bill would place broadband internet services under FCC authority, prohibiting blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. The Act also aimed to expand public transparency rules and establish a general conduct standard.
Americans who support net neutrality can push for the Save the Internet Act by advocating for its passage. They can contact their representatives, voice their support for the Act, and encourage others to do the same. Additionally, they can participate in petitions, use social media to raise awareness, and engage in conversations with their communities about the importance of net neutrality. By standing together, Americans can influence policymakers and protect a free and open internet.
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Advocate for net neutrality on social media
Social media has played a significant role in the net neutrality debate in the United States. Net neutrality advocates have successfully used social media platforms to engage the public, spread awareness, and rally support for their cause. Here are some ways Americans can advocate for net neutrality on social media:
Educate Yourself and Others
Understand the issue of net neutrality and the ongoing debates. Learn about the implications of net neutrality regulations and the potential consequences of their absence. Share informative content, infographics, or videos on your social media platforms to educate your followers and peers.
Spread Awareness and Engage in Conversations
Use your social media presence to spread awareness about net neutrality. Share your thoughts and opinions on the topic and engage in meaningful conversations with your followers and peers. Highlight the importance of net neutrality in preserving an open and free internet. Discuss how net neutrality prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from creating "fast lanes," censoring content, throttling traffic, and blocking access to competitors' products.
Support Net Neutrality Organizations
Follow and share content from organizations and advocacy groups that support net neutrality, such as Fight for the Future, Demand Progress, Save the Internet Coalition, and Battle for the Net. Participate in their campaigns and initiatives, such as online petitions, email lists, and social media campaigns. Share their graphics, videos, and other original content to amplify their message.
Contact Government Representatives
Use social media platforms to contact your congressional representatives and express your support for net neutrality. Call, email, or send messages to your local representatives, senators, and members of Congress. Encourage your followers to do the same and provide them with relevant contact information.
Participate in Online Protests and Campaigns
Join online protests and campaigns organized by net neutrality advocates. For example, on September 10, 2014, popular websites like Tumblr, Vimeo, and Reddit participated in an Internet slowdown, bringing attention to the issue. Share and promote similar initiatives on your social media platforms to show your support and encourage others to join.
Highlight the Impact on Free Expression
Emphasize the impact of net neutrality on free expression and online speech. Discuss how a handful of large telecommunications companies dominating the broadband market can potentially limit online speech and suppress particular views. Argue that net neutrality is essential for maintaining a diverse and democratic digital space where all Americans can express themselves freely.
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Contact government representatives
Americans in favour of net neutrality laws can contact their government representatives to express their support for net neutrality and urge them to take action. Net neutrality is a highly debated topic in the United States, and public opinion has played a significant role in shaping the regulatory landscape. Here are some ways to effectively engage with government representatives:
Understand the Issue
Before contacting government representatives, take the time to understand the complexities of net neutrality. Familiarize yourself with the arguments in favour of net neutrality, such as ensuring a free and open internet, promoting innovation, and preventing corporate control. Know the historical context, including the FCC's rulings and how they have impacted net neutrality. Understanding the issue will enable you to articulate your position more effectively.
Identify Key Representatives
Identify the government representatives who have a direct impact on net neutrality policies. This includes your local members of Congress, Senators, and members of relevant committees, such as the Senate Commerce Committee or the House Energy and Commerce Committee. These representatives are directly involved in shaping telecommunications legislation and have a say in FCC appointments.
Write, Call, or Email
Consider writing letters, making phone calls, or sending emails to your representatives. Express your support for net neutrality and explain why it matters to you. Share personal stories or examples of how net neutrality impacts your life, business, or community. Be respectful and concise, and remember that your goal is to advocate for net neutrality and encourage your representatives to support it.
Attend Town Hall Meetings
Keep an eye out for town hall meetings or public forums where you can engage directly with your representatives. These events provide an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and hear the perspectives of your representatives. They also allow you to connect with other constituents who share your views and potentially build a local movement in support of net neutrality.
Organize or Join Local Groups
Consider organizing or joining local groups that advocate for net neutrality. By banding together with like-minded individuals, you can amplify your voice and increase your impact. Local groups can organize events, rallies, or letter-writing campaigns to demonstrate strong support for net neutrality within your community. This also allows you to build relationships with your representatives and their staff, making your advocacy more effective.
Stay Informed and Engage Consistently
Stay informed about the latest developments in net neutrality policy. Follow news sources, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and engage with organizations dedicated to net neutrality advocacy. By staying informed, you can respond promptly to new developments, such as proposed legislation or regulatory changes. Consistently engaging with your representatives demonstrates your ongoing commitment to the issue.
Remember, government representatives are accountable to their constituents. By making your voice heard and expressing your support for net neutrality, you can influence the decisions they make regarding telecommunications policy and the appointment of key regulators like FCC commissioners.
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Sign petitions
Signing petitions is a great way to show support for net neutrality. Petitions have been a key part of the fight for net neutrality in the past, with millions of Americans signing petitions to protect a free and fair internet.
There are several petitions available to sign on Change.org, which focus on preserving net neutrality principles and preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating against certain content or users. One petition on Change.org, simply titled "Save Net Neutrality", calls for the reinstatement of net neutrality rules to protect against data throttling and unfair practices by ISPs. Another petition emphasizes the need to prevent ISPs from prioritizing certain websites or services based on financial incentives.
Petitions are also available on other websites, such as Action Network, which has a petition to "Reinstate Net Neutrality". This petition calls for the rejection of zero rating and the prevention of carriers from using interconnection to violate net neutrality.
Additionally, you can start your own petition to reach those in power and influence decision-makers in government, companies, and other institutions to make real change.
Signing and creating petitions is a powerful way to make your voice heard and stand up for what you believe in. It is essential to keep advocating for an open and free internet, and petitions are a great tool to achieve that.
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Frequently asked questions
Net neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all Internet communications equally, offering users and online content providers consistent transfer rates regardless of content, website, platform, application, type of equipment, source address, destination address, or method of communication.
Americans in favour of net neutrality laws can make their voices heard by signing petitions, submitting public comments, and speaking out on social media. They can also contact their elected officials and urge them to support net neutrality. Additionally, they can create and share content online that raises awareness about the issue and encourages others to take action.
Supporters of net neutrality argue that it is essential for a free and open Internet, as it prevents ISPs from blocking or filtering online content, giving some content preferential treatment ("fast lanes"), or discriminating based on user or content. Net neutrality fosters freedom of speech and innovation by creating a level playing field for all content providers.
In 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the FCC's net neutrality rules, which was a victory for millions of Americans who had advocated for a free and fair Internet. In 2018, California passed a gold-standard net neutrality law at the state level, which comprehensively restored all of the protections of the 2015 Open Internet Order.
