Comments of the American Library Association to the Federal Communications Commission's Notice for Proposed Rulemaking for Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet

Abstract

Our nation’s libraries are leaders in creating, fostering, using, extending, and maximizing the potential of the internet for research, education, and the public good. Libraries depend upon an open internet to fulfill their missions and serve their communities. As such, ALA is extremely concerned that there is currently a void in policies to protect the openness of the internet. BIAS providers who offer services to the public currently have the opportunity and financial incentive to block, degrade or discriminate against certain content, services, and applications. We support strong, enforceable policies and rules to safeguard and secure an open internet for everyone.