Protest outside Ajit Pai’s home over net neutrality
WASHINGTON: Net Neutrality activists on Monday protested outside US federal communications commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai’s home in Virginia after he proposed dismantling net neutrality rules.
Pai is facing backlash from his opponents for his proposal which seeks to reverse Obama era net neutrality rules, under which all websites are treated equally by Internet providers.
His proposal would end net neutrality and give big Internet providers like Comcast and Verizon broad powers to determine what website should reach out to subscribers faster than others.
In an interview to Fox and Friends, Pai said that his opponents have “crossed the line”.
“I understand that people are passionate about policy, but the one thing in America that should remain sacred is that families, wives and kids, should remain out of it. And stop harassing us at our homes,” he said.
200 FIRMS WANT FCC TO RECONSIDER MOVE
Over 200 companies have asked the FCC to reconsider its plan to end net neutrality. In a letter to the agency, the firms, which include Airbnb, Reddit, Shutterstock and Twitter, highlighted the internet’s growing role in the US economy, The Verge reported.
INDIAN-AMERICAN LAWMAKERS ATTACK PAI
Pai has been attacked by several Indian-American lawmakers , including a war of words between him and Congressman from Silicon Valley Ro Khanna.
Khanna tweeted: “We need stronger net neutrality laws that ban most forms of zero rating instead of weakening these laws!”.
He said The FCC is giving major corporations “even more control over the media. “We have to fight for less consolidation to save our democracy,” he added.
Pai reacted sharply, saying that Khanna was making a false accusation. AGENCIES