OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir says that United States’ decision on net neutrality threatens online media freedom and pluralism

VIENNA, 15 December 2017 – The United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision of 14 December 2017 to repeal existing provisions ensuring “net neutrality” – the principle that Internet providers must treat all online traffic equally and without undue interference – threatens online media freedom according to a statement made by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today. The FCC’s commissioners voted by three to two to dismantle existing rules which protect the “Open Internet” and prohibit blocking, throttling or paid prioritization of Internet content.

“The FCC’s repeal of the principle of net neutrality damages access to information weakens the environment for media freedom and media pluralism in the United States and will have global spill-over effects. It threatens the realization of these rights in the digital space by encouraging the formation of a hierarchy of information and data available online, producing a ‘chilling effect’ upon digital innovation and interfering with individuals’ freedom to choose what content they see online without discrimination,” Désir said.

The Representative also noted that the decision goes against the views of innumerable civil society organizations and individuals who have voiced their opposition to the removal of net neutrality.

The Representative said: “I urge the United States authorities to reconsider this decision. I hope that Congress will review it and enact instead strong rules protecting a free and open Internet as soon as possible.”

See the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media’s previous statement of 5 December on the FCC’s proposal to repeal net neutrality: www.osce.org/fom/360446

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.