On July 12th, Engine joined a multitude of technology companies, policy advocates, and other organizations in the Net Neutrality Day of Action. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under the leadership of Chairman Ajit Pai, is considering revising the 2015 Open Internet Order. Under the proposed changes, broadband service would lose its Title II designation, which would effectively kill net neutrality protections. This means that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) would be free to engage in throttling, blocking, and paid prioritization. Engine’s position remains that such a change would prove disastrous for America’s startup and technology ecosystem.
More than 100,000 websites participated in the Day of Action, directing users to submit comments to the FCC, write and call members of Congress, and stage events in support of net neutrality. Over 2 million comments were submitted, and millions of users were reached as major players like Google, Netflix, Facebook, Twitch, and Reddit, among others, posted messages, ad banners, and blog posts.
In addition to participating in Day of Action events, Engine, along with Internet Association, hosted a reddit AMA on July 13th to answer users’ questions about net neutrality. Among other issues, we addressed concerns about whether net neutrality rules were in place pre-2015, the definition of Title II classification, and the likely impact on startups and innovation if the FCC dismantles net neutrality rules. Engine will continue to engage in efforts that raise awareness and mobilize support for net neutrality, and we will fight to ensure that startups’ voices are heard in this debate.
