Denouncing 'FCC's Dangerous Ruling,' Cuomo Signs Order to Protect Net Neutrality in New York

In response to a recent move by the Republican-controlled FCC to roll back net neutrality, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on Wednesday to make New York the second state this week to ensure the consumer protections.

Paired with action taken by Montana on Monday, the orders to preserve net neutrality are being celebrated by free speech and consumer protection advocates, who have mounted a national movement against the FCC ruling, which critics warn enables internet service providers (ISPs) to choose to slow down or block access to certain content.

Cuomo’s executive order (pdf) unequivocally states that in order to receive a state contract, ISPs cannot “block, throttle, or prioritize internet content or applications or require that end users pay different or higher rates to access specific types of content or applications.” Similar to the order signed by Montana’s Democratic governor, Steve Bullock, the Cuomo order attempts to work around a preemption in the FCC repeal that aims to prevent states from enacting their own net neutrality rules.

“The FCC’s dangerous ruling goes against the core values of our democracy, and New York will do everything in our power to protect net neutrality and the free exchange of ideas,” Cuomo vowed in a statement. “With this executive order, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom and democracy and help ensure that the internet remains free and open to all.”