OTI Opposes Sen. Kennedy's Loophole-Ridden Net Neutrality Bill

Today, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced net neutrality legislation that would leave consumers and small businesses vulnerable to online abuse. The legislation is a companion to a House bill introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in December.

The following quote can be attributed to Joshua Stager, Policy Counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Senator Kennedy should reconsider this misguided approach. Congresswoman Blackburn’s legislation is not a serious effort to protect net neutrality. By ignoring paid prioritization and interconnection abuse, the bill creates loopholes that companies like AT&T and Comcast can drive a truck through. It also steamrolls state and local rights by telling governors, state legislators, and mayors that they have no authority to protect residents from future harms. This is not a ‘middle ground’ approach. It is a gift to the telecom industry and a slap in the face to consumers and small businesses.

The Congressional Review Act offers a much cleaner, bipartisan approach that would restore the FCC’s rules immediately. It doesn’t trample states’ rights or create loopholes. Senator Kennedy should support this effort and abandon partisan bills that fail to protect consumers.”