Tell Congress to Save Net Neutrality

November 28, 2017

Just before Thanksgiving, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai announced his plan to roll back the 2015 Open Internet Order. This would do away with rules that limit the power of Internet Service Providers – like Verizon and Comcast – to slow websites, block mobile apps, or in any way control the information we access. Click here for more information from the ALA Washington Office.

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source and without favoring or blocking specific services or websites. Strong, enforceable net neutrality rules, like the one Chairman Pai plans to dismantle, are critical to the functioning of modern libraries because we rely on the internet to collect, create and disseminate essential online information and services to the public. ILA President Melissa Gardner addressed the importance of this issue to Illinois libraries on WILL's "The 21st" radio show on November 28, saying, "More than half of ILA member libraries are low-budget libraries. They may be the only source of internet for their communities." Hearing enough strong disapproval from Congress could persuade the FCC to stall this disturbing plan. Call and email your members of Congress today and tell them you oppose Chairman Pai's plans to dismantle net neutrality. Visit the ALA action center and contact your elected officials in advance of the FCC's December 14 vote.

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