Late last year, the Republican-controlled FCC voted to dismantle Net Neutrality in a 3-2 vote along party lines. The decision led to a massive, organized effort to protect the Obama era laws designed to protect an open internet. Five months later, Net Neutrality supporters may have their best chance yet.
Here’s an updated looked at what you can do to help save Net Neutrality, along with some older tips that still hold up.
Support the New Resolution to Save Net Neutrality
This May, the Senate is expected to vote on a new resolution that could undo the damage caused by the FCC and bring back Net Neutrality protections. If you’re ready to support the cause again there are a few different ways to join the fight.
Battle For the Net is teaming up with a coalition of internet companies, including Wikimedia, Etsy, Reddit, Tumblr, Tinder, GitHub, Mozilla, and Vimeo to raise the alarm with a “Red Alert” program that went live on May 9. You can contribute by adding a special javascript widget to your website to encourage people to contact their senators. The site also has banner ads and lots of other images you can share online, along with a list of protests and events happening around the country.
Of course, the most important thing you can do is call your representatives and make your opinion heard. You can find contact info on your senators, including their phone and fax numbers (yes, faxing congress really works), right here.
Submit a Filing to the FCC
The FCC vote on Net Neutrality vote may already be said and done, but it’s possible the issue could make its way back to the government agency in the future. Leaving your comments with the FCC is a good way to express your support for the new resolution and open internet laws in general.
To do so, just head to this website on a computer (it may not work on your phone). Under “Proceeding(s)” write “17-108" and then fill out the rest of the form with your personal information. In the comments box at the bottom, say that you support net neutrality and Title 2 oversight of ISPs.
Email the FCC Leadership Directly
You can email all five leaders of the FCC to express your support for Net Neutrality. Here are the email addresses you need to know—the Republicans are the ones who voted to dismantle Net Neutrality.
•Ajit Pai, Chairman (Republican) - [email protected]
•Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner (Democract) - [email protected]
•Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner (Republican) - Mike.O‘[email protected]
•Brendan Carr, Commissioner (Republican) - [email protected]
•Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner (Democrat) - [email protected]
Contact Your Representatives In Congress
It’s possible that putting pressure on Congress could help save Net Neutrality, too. Battle for the Net has a tool at the top of its website to help you send a pre-written email to your representatives, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation has one as well. Additionally, California Senator Kamala Harris has a petition on her website where you can express your support for Net Neutrality.
If you’d rather call your representative directly you can find your senator’s number here and your House of Representative member’s number here.
Help Spread the Word
Finally, you can fight for Net Neutrality by teaching more people what’s at stake. If you run a website, Battle for the Net has a handy widget you can use. If not, the site also has banners and images you can share on social media and other platforms.
This post was updated with new information on May 9, 2018 at 12:57 pm.