Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to propose new rules that would allow Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon to sell priority access on the Internet.
The proposed rules would end the policy of Net Neutrality, a principle supposedly supported by President Obama -- but evidently not by his FCC.
Yet not all hope is lost: Millions of activists have spoken out in support of the Open Internet in recent weeks, and because of this the FCC has left on the table the possibility of restoring Net Neutrality -- but it's an uphill fight.
And more than anybody else, President Obama can tilt the table in our favor by speaking out in support of our cause.
PETITION TO PRESIDENT OBAMA: You campaigned as an aggressive supporter of Net Neutrality. Now it's time to keep your promise. Demand that the FCC restore Net Neutrality rules and treat the Internet like a utility -- where everybody has equal access.
Net Neutrality is what stops powerful Internet corporations like Comcast and Verizon from singlehandedly killing websites by making them impossibly slow.
Without Net Neutrality, Internet service providers could promote content that they own, and undermine content from their competitors.
They could shake down start-ups and artists and blogs for fees — and put them out of business if they don’t pay up.
This summer, the FCC will make a final decision about which plan to move forward with -- the one it prefers which allows ISPs to discriminate against websites, or the restoration of Net Neutrality.
Let's tell President Obama that it's time to prove that he stands with us and the Internet -- not with ISPs like Comcast and Verizon.
Add your name at right to hold President Obama accountable.