Shocker: FOIA Request Shows Yet Another Core Justification For Repealing Net Neutrality Was Bullshit

Shocker: FOIA Request Shows Yet Another Core Justification For Repealing Net Neutrality Was Bullshit

7 years ago
Anonymous $1bh8zaeyQS

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171219/10283138844/shocker-foia-request-shows-yet-another-core-justification-repealing-net-neutrality-was-bullshit.shtml

We've pretty well established by now that the FCC's repeal of net neutrality is being justified by a lot of fluff and nonsense with no factual basis in reality. Like claims that net neutrality killed sector investment, which are easily debunked by SEC filings, earnings reports, and numerous public CEO comments to investors (who, unlike you, they're legally not allowed to lie to). From Ajit Pai's claims that net neutrality emboldens fascists in North Korea and Iran, to his most recent claim that net neutrality fears were overhyped because Twitter still somehow works, blatant bullshit is the foundation of this entire repeal effort.

For years now, one constant bit of bullshit spread by ISPs was the claim that the Obama-era White House somehow "illegally pressured" Tom Wheeler's FCC into passing tougher net neutrality rules. As we noted at the time that claim was nonsensical,

since there's no law stopping the White House from expressing its opinion on what policy should be. From Bill Clinton urging then FCC boss Reed Hundt to ban alcohol ads on TV, to George W Bush telling then FCC boss Michael Powell to deregulate media ownership, such behavior is historically perfectly normal.