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We speak with Tim Karr, senior director of strategy for Free Press, which is organizing support to keep the Net Neutrality rules in place ahead of the Dec. 14 vote.

The Federal Communications Commission has announced a “total repeal” of Obama-era Net Neutrality rules, a sweeping rejection of Obama-era rules meant to keep the internet a level playing field and prevent companies from charging additional fees for faster internet access.

So drastic is FCC Chairman Pai’s reversal of policy, and so weak is the evidence to support the change, that the plan seems destined to be struck down in court.

Tim Karr, the senior director of strategy at the internet-rights nonprofit Free Press, said Pai’s plan would allow telecom giants like Comcast to prioritize their own websites and properties, like Comcast-owned NBC sites.

Net Neutrality — the principle that ISPs should treat all internet traffic equally, and not create “fast lanes” for certain companies — is considered by advocates to be fundamental to a free and open internet.

Eighty years ago, the dawn of the modern communications age coincided with the rise of authoritarian leaders who controlled and manipulated communications in Europe.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission has circulated a proposal that, if adopted, will repeal the FCC’s 2015 Net Neutrality rules — with devastating impacts on communities of color. The final order will be voted on by the FCC at its next open meeting on Thurs., Dec. 14.

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a proposal to review and revise the agency’s national television-ownership cap.

Ajit Pai, the Federal Communications Commission’s Trump-appointed chairman, is moving to gut the Net Neutrality rules that progressive activists and a massive online movement successfully pushed for during the Obama administration.

WASHINGTON — FCC Chairman Ajit Pai plans a full repeal of Net Neutrality protections, exposing internet users to blocking, throttling and paid prioritization of online content by the handful of internet service providers that control access in the United States.