Battle for the Net: Activists vs. FCC

The Battle for the Net campaign urged internet users to speak out for net neutrality.
Image:  Shutterstock

On Wednesday September 10^th an allied group of Internet activists and tech companies executed a massive campaign, Battle for the Net, designed to convince the FCC to scrap its proposed rulings related to net neutrality.

Tech companies that participated in Battle for the Net included Twitter, Tumblr, Netflix, Reddit, Kickstarter, Etsy, and Vimeo. Additionally, many unaffiliated Internet activists were active on all social media platforms as well.  Those companies participating in the Battle for the Net campaign brandished an icon, referencing slow-loading Internet connections and symbolizing potential Internet slow lanes, on their home pages.

The desired result of the campaign was to raise awareness about net neutrality and to flood the FCC’s public comment forum with comments displaying the movement’s deep concerns about the current net neutrality legislation. One of the most compelling facets of the campaign was how it urged citizens to contact their local congressional representatives and let them know that voters disagree with the FCC’s legislation.

By the end of the day, participants felt victorious after achieving impressive results.  According to analytics data from Battle for the Net, over 2 million emails were sent to congressional representatives on Wednesday in regards to net neutrality. The FCC has reported that its rule on net neutrality has generated nearly 1.4 million comments and counting, the most ever recorded. Also, according to Free Press, members of Congress were receiving 1,000 calls per minute on average at the peak of Battle for the Net’s protest.

Even though Battle for the Net was a highly impressive showing by activists and tech companies, it is unlikely that the net neutrality debate is over. However, Wednesday’s events have shown all of us that net neutrality is important to both the tech industry and consumers alike—and that they are willing to take action for what they believe in.

The period for public comment will end on September 15^th. Be sure to visit the FCC’s public comment page before September 15^th if you are passionate about net neutrality.