Y'all ready for some real high key bullshit from the GOP? Yesterday, the FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality regulations, breaking the internet in a way Kim K.’s ass never could. Net neutrality is in fact what keeps the internet free by prohibiting service providers from blocking websites or charging more for higher-quality content or service. The vote also eliminates federal regulation of high-speed internet delivery as a public utility, like water. Today, Republicans and their idiot red state minions are celebrating this as if it were a victory, probably because they don't know WTF net neutrality even means, just like they didn't know the Affordable Care Act was the same thing as Obamacare.
Let me be clear: it’s not. Twitter isn’t hearing any of the GOP’s blatant lies either. (PS: Can we please make #GOPlies a thing?).
In many ways, net neutrality is what makes the internet the internet. It’s the democratizing force that prevents corporate interests from interfering with accessibility of content, whether it be news or Netflix, meaning you may have to pay more just to stay informed. The decision was ardently defended by the new FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, who claims, “We are helping consumers and promoting competition.” If the amount most Americans pay for cable is any indication, that’s not how things are going to pan out.
Pai shares the Trump administration’s belief that corporate deregulation will boost the economy. As the New York Times notes, “In his first 11 months as chairman, [Pai] has lifted media ownership limits, eased caps on how much broadband providers can charge business customers and cut back on a low-income broadband program that was slated to be expanded to nationwide carriers.” So much for “helping customers.”
The decision comes as a sadly predictable reversal of all things Obama—net neutrality rules were first enforced by the FCC under his administration back in 2015. While the damage has already been done, the repeal won’t go into effect right away, and the political and legal battles wage on on Capitol Hill. Democrats are alright calling for a bill to reinstate net neutrality rules, and a number of Democratic state attorneys have said they will file a suit to stop the repeal from taking effect.
Enjoy The Crown while you can, folks.
