NEW YORK—The FCC decision today to uphold Net Neutrality is a welcome affirmation of free expression, PEN American Center said in a statement Thursday.

After a grueling partisan battle, the Federal Communications Commission today finalized a ruling that will see the internet regulated as a public utility under Title II of the Communications Act. Championed by disparate organizations and companies, and boosted by overwhelming public support, this decision ensures that internet service providers will not be able to discriminate against content providers because of the nature of their work. An opposing plan would have allowed ISPs to sacrifice the speed of some users to hike speeds for those more able to pay for premium services.

“The internet has become the fresh blank page of our time, awaiting all of our ideas,” said Suzanne Nossel, executive director of PEN American Center. “This essential ruling ensures that it will remain open and accessible to everyone, enabling the free flow of thought and securing the web as a space where writers and readers can continue to roam freely in search of inspiration, information, audience, and community.”

###

Founded in 1922, PEN American Center is an association of 4,000 U.S. writers working to break down barriers to free expression worldwide.

 

 

CONTACT
Sarah Edkins, Communications Manager: [email protected], (646) 779.4830