Multiple state attorneys general sue to block net-neutrality repeal
(AP) – A group of attorneys general for 21 states and the District of Columbia has sued to block the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of net-neutrality rules.
These rules barred companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from interfering with internet traffic and favoring their own sites and apps. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's push to undo them inspired both street and online protests in defense of the Obama-era rules.
New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman, who is leading the suit, said Tuesday that the end of the net neutrality rules would hurt consumers and businesses.
Tech companies and public-interest groups are also expected to file suit or help with litigation against the repeal.
The lawsuit includes the Attorneys General of the following states: New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
In a statement, Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn says, ""The free and open internet has become a backbone to the way our people, our business and our society work, learn and live. The FCC not only made the wrong decision, they made it in a flawed way, so my fellow Attorneys General and I will work to reverse it through this action."
