Hollywood Wants to Press Delete Button on Net Neutrality Repeal: ‘Nobody Is Asking for It’
Chris Evans, George Takei and Alyssa Milano were among the Hollywood stars to speak out against the FCC’s decision on Thursday to strike down net neutrality regulations.
Spearheaded by Chairman Ajit Pai, a former Verizon attorney, the FFC’s “Restoring Internet Freedom” proposal passed along party lines, undoing Obama-era regulations that barred internet service providers from speeding up or slowing down access to certain websites.
“EVERYONE should care about this! It benefits no one unless you’re a faceless, mega corporation. NOBODY is asking for it,” Evans said in a tweet following the ruling.
“Please RT + join me in taking a stand in support of #NetNeutrality,” singer and Oscar winner Common pleaded.
Also Read: FCC Strikes Down Net Neutrality
The decision was also widely criticized as a boon for large corporations at the consumer’s expense, allowing internet service providers to slow down or block access to its competitors.
A recent University of Maryland study found 83 percent of Americans — including three out of four Republicans — were against lifting the 2015 rules. A record near-22 million comments were submitted to the FCC over the summer, with 60 percent pushing back against plans to repeal.
The Writers Guild of America, West also released a statement on Thursday condemning ruling and threatening legal action to protect a free and open internet.
“The Chairman’s position is not based on what’s best for our nation,” the guild said in a statement. “In his view the future of the internet should be decided by a few powerful gatekeepers whose monopoly control over Internet access allows them to decide what content reaches viewers. The WGAW is ready once again to join with its coalition partners and take legal action to protect the open Internet.”
See more Twitter reactions below.
EVERYONE should care about this! It benefits no one unless you’re a faceless, mega corporation. NOBODY is asking for it. https://t.co/d2fBjPe7mX
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 14, 2017
Hey, uh @FCC? #NetNeutrality pic.twitter.com/VqKUOcBQKG
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) December 14, 2017
We’re disappointed in the decision to gut #NetNeutrality protections that ushered in an unprecedented era of innovation, creativity & civic engagement. This is the beginning of a longer legal battle. Netflix stands w/ innovators, large & small, to oppose this misguided FCC order.
— Netflix US (@netflix) December 14, 2017
This is so messed up. I just opened up my web browser and this is the internet now! #NetNeutralty pic.twitter.com/UsoOjDNvRn
— Jonah Ray Rodrigues (@jonahray) December 14, 2017
Please RT + join me in taking a stand in support of #NetNeutrality https://t.co/nfLapCQZIb
— COMMON (@common) December 14, 2017
"The FCC is handing the keys to the internet to a handful of multi-billion corporations." -Commissioner Clybourn #NetNeutrality #SAVENETNEUTRALITY #TrumpBrokeTheInternet #AjitBrokeTheInternet
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 14, 2017
This is how we overturn the @FCC's awful decision to repeal #NetNeutrality, friends. Thank you, Senator, for your leadership. Time to urge all our Senators and Representatives to support this resolution and restore a free and open Internet. https://t.co/66Hg8KC7Fl
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 14, 2017
Me @ all the people I met through the internet #NetNeutrality pic.twitter.com/eH0ikRxofZ
— Grayson Hunter Goss (@GraysonHunterG) December 14, 2017
You may be right, brother. This guy has some serious conflict of interest issues as well that need to be investigated. https://t.co/6JPgYUQGYf
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 14, 2017
This is the end of the internet as we know it. In Congress and in the courts we must fight back. #NetNeutrality pic.twitter.com/ExKx7LFZwj
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 14, 2017
This is an egregious attack on our democracy. The end of #NetNeutrality protections means that the internet will be for sale to the highest bidder. When our democratic institutions are already in peril, we must do everything we can to stop this decision from taking effect. https://t.co/8GGrJFMdrU
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 14, 2017
#NetNeutrality has been killed by the #FCC and #AjitPai. This is a horrible mistake, and so ushers in the end of a free internet age that has led to some of the greatest innovations of our era. (1)
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) December 14, 2017
The effects of this decision will likely take some time to see implementation, and there are still organizations that are suing and trying to overturn the FCC's greedy choice. (2)
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) December 14, 2017
There is still time to make your personal voice heard, you can:
-Text “RESIST” to 50409
-Text “BATTLE” to 384-387
OR
-Call 202-759-7766Or join: https://t.co/cytXj0JeKP
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) December 14, 2017
Until this issue and congress reach a conclusion, this account will be dedicated to continuing its discussion. In the event we lose, and the changes are permanent, I will be deactivating twitter. I can't bear charging you guys for access to whatever joy this account brings.(4)
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) December 14, 2017
I know it can be desensitizing to see so much being said, but this is very important. Let's keep the Internet and information free and fun, here is a list of confirmed states opposing the FCC's decision on #netneutrality. If your state is not on here please do your part. (5) pic.twitter.com/rTPrARXS3o
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) December 15, 2017
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FCC Strikes Down Net Neutrality
FCC's Net Neutrality Vote Paused 'on Advice of Security'
How FCC's Net Neutrality Repeal Would Rock Hollywood and Big Media: Winners & Losers
