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Keep internet open

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July 12 is Day of Action, described by its creators as an “internet-wide day of action to save net neutrality.”

In May, the Federal Communications Commission, led by chairman Ajit Pai, voted to roll back 2015 regulations that protect net neutrality by forbidding blocking, throttling and paid prioritization.

Net neutrality guarantees an open internet, and its absence will endanger free speech online by allowing some content to be prioritized.

The proposal is currently in its public commenting period, but some internet users decided more needed to be done. Fight for the Future, FreePress Action Fund and Demand Progress planned Day of Action, in which nearly 400 companies pledged to participate.

Participants will display banners, alerts and push notifications that simulate what using the internet would be like without net neutrality. For example, sites are encouraged to display a notification that says “Sorry, we’re stuck in the slow lane” that also gives instructions on how to contact the FCC.

Individuals are encouraged to use their social media to bring awareness to the issue using additional graphics provided on the Day of Action website.

You can comment on the FCC proposal until July 17. Then, until August 18, you can reply to other people’s comments. Instructions for commenting can be found on the Herald-Leader site.

This story was originally published July 11, 2017 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Keep internet open."

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