Just before Thanksgiving, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai announced his plan to roll back the 2015 Open Internet Order. This would do away with rules that limit the power of Internet Service Providers (like Verizon and Comcast) to slow websites, block mobile apps, or in any way control the information we access.

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) must enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source and without favoring or blocking specific services or websites. Strong, enforceable net neutrality rules, like the one Chairman Pai plans to dismantle, are critical to the functioning of modern libraries because we rely on the Internet to collect, create and disseminate essential online information and services to the public. The ALA has consistently argued that once the consumer, including libraries, pays for whatever broadband speed they can afford, he or she should be able to choose any and all legal content on the web.

Right now, the FCC is not accepting public comments (that may come later), but strong disapproval from members of Congress (especially from Republicans and those that serve on committees with oversight for the FCC) could force a pause in the Dec. 14 vote to derail net neutrality. You can make your voice heard now by emailing your member of Congress to support net neutrality protections.