Stars Rail Against Net Neutrality Repeal Plan: ‘Corporations Will Control the Entirety of the Internet’

Hollywood and media stars are lashing out at the Federal Communications Commission, after Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Tuesday the FCC will vote next month to repeal its current net neutrality laws — preventing internet providers from slowing down or “throttling” service for certain competitors.

“Silicon Valley” star Kumail Nanjiani weighed in on the real-life tech impact the decision could have. “Companies will be able to charge more for access to certain sites. Corporations will control the entirety of the internet,” said Nanjiani. “This will change online as we know it, forever.”

This is the man responsible for trying to gut #NetNeutrality. Companies will be able to charge more for access to certain sites. Corporations will control the entirety of the internet. This will change online as we know it, forever. https://t.co/9K1ZyCVc9j

— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) November 21, 2017

Also Read: Why Net Neutrality Is Important for Online Streaming

The FCC decided in 2015 to reclassify broadband providers as “common carriers,” preventing ISPs from playing favorites or charging competitors higher prices to reach customers. Pai called the decision a “mistake” on Tuesday, and said he would share his proposed repeal on Wednesday. The FCC will vote on the measure on Dec. 14.

“In 2015, the prior FCC bowed to pressure from President Obama. On a party-line vote, it imposed heavy-handed, utility-style regulations upon the Internet,” said Pai in a statement. “That decision was a mistake.  It’s depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation.

Patton Oswalt wasted no time sharing Pai’s contact information, tweeting his email and phone number. Oswalt added “[Pai] wants to destroy #NetNeutrality. Don’t let him.”

Also Read: Net Neutrality Starter Pack: 5 Essential Things to Know

Call and e-mail and BOMBARD @AjitPaiFCC:

Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov

(202) 418 2000

He wants to destroy #NetNeutrality. Don’t let him.

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 21, 2017

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich blasted Pai as President Trump’s “handpicked” chairman, saying “we need to stop this power grab over what we can say and do online.”

Donald Trump' handpicked FCC chairman (and former cable lobbyist) could announce his plan to end Net Neutrality as soon as Wednesday. We need to stop this power grab over what we can say and do online. https://t.co/fV0O2wdM54

— Robert Reich (@RBReich) November 20, 2017

Also Read: FCC Announces Vote to Repeal Net Neutrality in December

Alyssa Milano didn’t mince words on Twitter, saying in all caps “dismantling” net neutrality would be a “HUGE DEAL.”

I know. We’ve faced a lot of issues threatening our democracy in the last year. But honestly, the @FCC and @AjitPaiFCC’s dismantling of #NetNeutrality is one of the biggest.

THIS IS A HUGE DEAL.

And yet #SaveNetNeutrality isn’t trending. https://t.co/LgvSJ99RLv

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 21, 2017

Comedian Hari Kondabolu tweeted at Pai, telling him to not be associated with the “destruction” of something “vital to free speech & justice.”

Don’t do it, @AjitPaiFCC. Don’t destroy #NetNeutrality. Don’t have your name & face associated with the destruction of so vital to Free Speech & Justice.

— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) November 21, 2017

The Writers Guild of America West quickly issued a statement against the proposed repeal, saying the FCC has “completely ignored the overwhelming public support for these rules and the unequivocal benefits of an open internet.” More than 22 million public comments were filed on the curtailing of net neutrality, with the majority opposed to pulling it back.

Also Read: Help, John Oliver: How the FCC Is Trying to Trick Us About Net Neutrality

The National Hispanic Media Coalition followed suit, saying Latinos will only be heard “as far as their wallets can carry them” under the “Trump FCC.”

Streaming heavyweight Netflix — which could face higher fees from providers like AT&T and Verizon — said it opposed the FCC’s push to repeal.

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Netflix supports strong #NetNeutrality. We oppose the FCC's proposal to roll back these core protections.

— Netflix US (@netflix) November 21, 2017

And plenty of politicians shared their two cents, with Sen. Angus King, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Sen. Eric Schneiderman all coming out against Pai’s statement on Twitter. Bernie Sanders got in the mix, too.

Once again, the Trump administration sides with big money and against democracy. If this passes, the internet and its free exchange of information as we have come to know it will cease to exist. #NetNeutrality https://t.co/1oKLkWOpYn

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 21, 2017