Benton Statement on Restoring Internet Freedom Order

As expected, today the Federal Communications Commission, on a partisan 3-2 vote, adopted the Restoring Internet Freedom Order. The following may be attributed to Benton Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss:

On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission acted decisively to protect the rights of internet users to employ any legal applications, content, devices, and services of their choosing on the broadband networks they rely on. Today, the FCC’s Republican majority abandons those protections. Their action ignores bipartisan public support for the 2015 rules, displays a flawed and factually inaccurate understanding of Internet technology, and misinterpret U.S. communications law – a trifecta of governmental malfeasance.

The Orwellian-named, so-called Restoring Internet Freedom Order is a blow to competition and innovation, to diversity and our most-vulnerable communities, to equity and our democracy. But the darkest hour is just before the dawn. And Benton joins millions in fighting for the dawn. We lost a battle today, but more will come. In the courts. And at the ballot box. We hold on to hope that true internet freedom will prevail.


Benton, a non-profit, operating foundation, believes that communications policy—rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity—has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities to bridge our divides.