The internet industry is taking legal action against California over its recently passed net neutrality law. This lawsuit, filed by major trade groups representing broadband companies, is the second significant legal challenge to the state’s law, following a suit brought by the Justice Department. Governor Jerry Brown signed the law on Sunday, making it the strictest net neutrality law in the country. The law prohibits internet service providers from blocking or slowing down specific content or applications, as well as charging fees for faster access to customers.
The federal government filed a lawsuit shortly after Governor Brown signed the law, arguing that California is trying to undermine the federal government’s approach to internet regulation. The Department of Justice claims that states do not have the authority to implement their own laws governing internet companies, as broadband services operate across state lines. The legal battle is expected to be lengthy, with potential implications for other states that may use California’s law as a model for their own net neutrality legislation.
If California prevails in court, it could pave the way for other states to enact similar laws. However, the FCC may attempt to block these efforts through regulatory action. The industry groups involved in the lawsuit, including major companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, have expressed opposition to California’s law, citing concerns about its impact on consumers and investment in the industry.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra has vowed to defend California’s law against the legal challenges from the industry groups. State Senator Scott Wiener, a co-author of the bill, has emphasized California’s commitment to protecting residents’ access to an open internet. Despite the legal battles ahead, California remains steadfast in its efforts to uphold the principles of net neutrality and ensure a free and open internet for its residents.