Langevin Condemns FCC Vote to Repeal Net Neutrality Rules

Repeal puts corporate interests ahead of consumers and undermines principles central
to cybersecurity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the
Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, released the following statement after the
Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal net neutrality rules:

«I strongly condemn today’s vote by the Federal Communications Commission
overturning net neutrality rules that protect consumers and encourage innovation.
Despite the overwhelming opposition of my Rhode Island constituents and Americans
across the country, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has sided with cable companies and other
Internet service providers, putting profits above the public interest. The Internet
has been an open marketplace of ideas and information, but today’s repeal will allow
throttling, filtering, and fast lanes. The rules adopted today will give companies,
not consumers, the final say in what is accessible online, and that is a tragedy.

«I’ve spent over a decade working in cybersecurity to better protect the Internet so
that we can continue to reap the amazing benefits of an interconnected economy. My
focus has been on malicious actors in cyberspace who threaten the confidentiality,
integrity and availability of our networks and data and in doing so, undermine the
free and open Internet. Never did I expect that our own government would attack
these very principles. I work on cybersecurity because I believe in the power of the
Internet, and I worry that today’s actions may begin its downfall.

«The Internet was designed to be free. I urge my colleagues to unite to block
today’s effort and restore net neutrality.»