Facebook COO Slams FCC’s Vote To Kill Net Neutrality: It’s ‘Disappointing, Harmful’ To A ‘Free And Open Internet’

Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg on Thursday blasted the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to roll back Obama-era net neutrality rules as “disappointing and harmful,” calling on Congress to push for legislation to help make the internet “free and open for everyone.”

“Today’s decision from the Federal Communications Commission to end net neutrality is disappointing and harmful,” Sandberg said.

“An open internet is critical for new ideas and economic opportunity – and internet providers shouldn’t be able to decide what people can see online or charge more for certain websites. We’re ready to work with members of Congress and others to help make the internet free and open for everyone.”

The Facebook COO’s statement comes after the FCC voted 3-2 along party lines Thursday to repeal the net neutrality protections.

The FCC’s two Democratic members gave blistering dissent speeches on Thursday shortly before the agency voted to repeal net neutrality.

“What is striking, and in keeping with the new norm, is that despite the millions of comments, letters and calls received, this order cites not even one,” said Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn.

“A soon-to-be-toothless FCC, is handing the keys to the internet — the internet, one of the most remarkable, empowering, enabling inventions of our lifetime — over to a handful of multibillion-dollar corporations,” she warned.

“We will be in a world where regulatory substance fades to black, and all that is left is a broadband provider’s toothy grin and those oh so comforting words: ‘We have every incentive to do the right thing,’ ” Clyburn said.

Democratic commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, echoed Clyburn’s dissent, warning that “as a result of today’s misguided action, our broadband providers will get extraordinary new power from this agency. They will have the power to block websites, throttle services and censor online content.”

The Hill added:

Sandberg joins high profile Republicans like Senate Commerce Committee chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) who have also called for a legislative solution in establishing more permanent net neutrality laws.