Netflix Comes Out in Support for Net Neutrality, Tells FCC ‘We Will See You in Court’
Streaming giant announces support for legal action by lobby group Internet Association
Sean Burch | January 5, 2018 @ 12:04 PM
Last Updated: January 5, 2018 @ 6:41 PM
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Netflix isn’t letting net neutrality go without a fight.
The streaming giant retweeted its support for the Internet Association’s Friday announcement it would “intervene in judicial action to preserve net neutrality protections.” The IA plans on pushing back against the FCC’s decision last month to pull back Obama-era regulations that blocked internet providers from blocking access to particular sites, as well as creating paid “fast lanes” to view content.
“In 2018, the Internet is united in defense of #NetNeutrality,” retweeted the Netflix account. “For the FCC, we will see you in court.”
In the retweeted announcement, IA President and CEO Michael Beckerman said the decision, spearheaded by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, hurts consumers and startups.
“The final version of Chairman Pai’s rule, as expected, dismantles popular net neutrality protections for consumers. This rule defies the will of a bipartisan majority of Americans and fails to preserve a free and open internet,” said Beckerman in the post. “IA intends to act as an intervenor in judicial action against this order and, along with our member companies, will continue our push to restore strong, enforceable net neutrality protections through a legislative solution.”
As The Atlantic pointed out, Netflix and its chief executive, Reed Hastings, have sent mixed signals on net neutrality in recent years. In a 2014 blog post, Hastings made the case for “strong net neutrality,” pushing back against “internet trolls” that threatened the internet’s standing as a “platform for progress.” (At the time, the streaming heavyweight had been jostling with Comcast — with Netflix ultimately agreeing to pay the company for “faster and more reliable access” to its customers.)
But as Netflix, behind shows like “Stranger Things” and “House of Cards,” continued to infiltrate homes across the globe, its tone changed. Hastings said net neutrality wasn’t the company’s “primary battle” last May, because the company was “big enough to get the deals we want.” Netflix’s support for the IA — which includes Amazon, Facebook, and Google among its members — indicates it sees the FCC’s decision as a battle worth fighting.
Netflix in January: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
Here are our highlights for January on Netflix, from original programming to freshly added film titles. Plus, what to re-watch before it leaves Netflix.
Available Jan. 1: "Wedding Crashers"
This movie is the reason "crashing a wedding" is on everyone's Tindr bucket list and why some wedding crashing was featured on "The Bachelor" that one time. It's hilarious, and perfect for watching with your pals during your post-New Year's Eve hangover.
WB
Available Jan. 1: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"
Did the Oompa Loompas freak you out as a child? Well, Netflix has your Golden Ticket to the magical (and creepy) candy-filled world of Willy Wonka on the first of the year.
Available Jan. 19: "Grace and Frankie" Season 4
Lisa Kudrow joins the cast as third wheel Sheree for the fourth season of the Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin comedy. How will their titular friendship weather challenges brought on by this new addition?
Netflix
Available Jan. 26: "One Day at a Time" Season 2
This rollicking reboot of the Norman Lear sitcom that originally aired from 1975-1984 is getting its second season on Netflix. The first season was met with critical praise for its take on Cuban-American identity and other hot topics.
Netflix
Available Jan. 16: "Dallas Buyers Club"
Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto both won Oscars for their performance in this 2014 film about HIV-AIDS healthcare struggles and an unlikely friendship.
Leaving Jan. 1: "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial"
Your favorite little alien is phoning home for real this time. Cry to the cutest relationship between an extra-terrestrial and a kid one more time before Spielberg's classic leaves the platform on the first of the month.
Universal
Leaving Jan. 1: "Forrest Gump"
Despite the fact this film flaunts one of Tom Hanks' most recognizable roles ever, Netflix is shouting, "run Forrest, run!"
Leaving Jan. 1: "Mean Girls"
Netflix finally broke down and decided to stop trying to make "fetch" happen. You can add the streaming service to your Burn Book at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve for this move.
Paramount
Leaving Jan. 1: "Grease"
Sandy and Danny rode off into the sunset in their flying car, and are continuing to fly right off the Netflix screen. We're writing a song called "Netflix Drop-Out."
Leaving Jan. 4: "Lost" Season 1-6
Why, oh why, are the television gods taking "Lost" away from us? The show that paved the way for fan-theory rabbit holes is leaving Jan. 4, so binge as much as you can in the next few weeks.
Here's the complete list of what's coming to and leaving Netflix in January.
ABC
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Buckle up, because 2018 is bringing a whole new batch of fresh Netflix Original programming and the return of old favorites
Here are our highlights for January on Netflix, from original programming to freshly added film titles. Plus, what to re-watch before it leaves Netflix.
Available Jan. 1: "Wedding Crashers"
This movie is the reason "crashing a wedding" is on everyone's Tindr bucket list and why some wedding crashing was featured on "The Bachelor" that one time. It's hilarious, and perfect for watching with your pals during your post-New Year's Eve hangover.
WB
