In an effort to quash California's efforts to keep the repeal of net neutrality laws from affecting the state's high population and booming tech market, Donald Trump's Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the state. The suit came hours after California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 822, which prohibits deliberate slowing of service by internet providers, into law.
The suit claims that California Senate Bill 822
"unlawfully imposes burdens on the Federal Government’s deregulatory approach to the Internet."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions added:
“States do not regulate interstate commerce — the federal government does. Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.”
While President Donald Trump and his administration have routinely railed against regulation in any form, the vast majority of Americans were opposed to abolishing regulations of the internet. Repeal of net neutrality laws opens the door for internet providers favoring certain users over others, charging higher for different internet speeds, charging more for specific websites and other impositions. With a service as vital and useful as internet access, the policies could hinder service to millions of Americans.
The suit was filed hours after Governor Brown signed S.B. 822 into law. Now, Americans are speaking out against it.
The Republican party has long painted itself as the party of states' rights and against "big government." They hypocrisy didn't go unnoticed.
But if the justice department plans to hinder all states' efforts to fight against the repeal of net neutrality laws, it has a lot of work ahead.
Responding to the calls of constituents, over 30 state legislators have introduced 72 bills that would achieve the similar aim of keeping the internet equal for all Americans.
As recently as last year, over 80 percent of Americans supported net neutrality laws.
The Federal Communications Commission's repeal of Obama-era net neutrality rules took effect this past June under its chairman, Ajit Pai, who argued that the regulations were a hindrance on businesses and their abilities to provide better service.
Conversely, many supporters of net neutrality say that the regulations allow small or new businesses a better footing and an invaluable service.
It's unclear how the Justice Department law suit will fare in court, but when it comes to hindering Americans' access to internet, the court of public opinion likely won't be too merciful.
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