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Gov. Cuomo signs executive order aimed at protecting net neutrality in St. Lawrence County, rest of NY

Posted 1/30/18

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed an executive order to protect and strengthen net neutrality in St. Lawrence County and across the state. New York's government is directed through this order not …

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Gov. Cuomo signs executive order aimed at protecting net neutrality in St. Lawrence County, rest of NY

Posted

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed an executive order to protect and strengthen net neutrality in St. Lawrence County and across the state.

New York's government is directed through this order not to enter into any contracts for internet service unless the ISPs agree to follow net neutrality principles.

Jenne said she was pleased Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order directing state entities not to enter into any contracts for internet service unless the internet service providers ISPs agree to follow net neutrality principles.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, (D-Theresa), joined several of her colleagues in the state Assembly to show support for the law requiring companies doing business with the state to follow net neutrality rules.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, (D-Albany), was introduced in December shortly after a decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal regulations that required internet service providers (ISPs) to treat websites equally. Jenne immediately signed on as a co-sponsor of the legislation.

"Cutting off the ability to do business with the state, I think, is appropriate given the state has funded a lot of the infrastructure that brings the internet to so many people that live in the North Country, particularly our businesses," Jenne said to a crowd that included representatives from schools, libraries and small businesses.

"A lot of our traditional businesses, like the agriculture industry and the tourism sector, are becoming more and more reliant on technology as well as our many, many, many small businesses that run in the North Country," she added.

"We will have built a bridge to nowhere if we allow companies to essentially censor the content we have access to and prevent the voices and competitiveness of our businesses and entrepreneurs across the state," the assemblywoman said.

"It's the basic foundational principles of fairness and even play, which our country was founded on. Net neutrality, I believe, is a must if we are going to adhere to our long-held founding beliefs," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

"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," Gov. Cuomo said. "With this executive order, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom and democracy and help ensure that the internet remains free and open to all."

Jenne said Congress also needs to take steps to address the inequities that could result from the FCC decision.