A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

18 AGs, including Beshear, asked FCC to delay Net Neutrality vote over fraudulent pro-repeal signatures


Staff report

Eighteen attorneys general, including Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission asking for a delay on the vote to appeal Net Neutrality based on “tainted comments” submitted to the commission.

The issue involved the “a pattern of fake submissions using the names of real people” — amounting to over one million across the country — to “Restore Internet Freedom.”

Andy Beshear

The attorneys general expressed concerned about the “fraud involved in the democratic process” and the “identity theft on a massive scale.”

The FCC moved ahead with the vote Thursday and repealed Net Neutrality, 3-2.

After the vote, New York’s Attorney General said he would lead a multistate lawsuit to stop the rollback of rules that guaranteed equal access to the internet.

Beshear issued this statement:

“I’m strongly opposed to the FCC’s changes to Net Neutrality. Earlier this week, I asked the FCC to delay any rollbacks given my concerns over fraud in the public comments process on how any changes would affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians.

“My office has already received multiple complaints by Kentuckians, as well as from consumers who previously lived in Kentucky, saying their identity or a loved one’s identity was falsely used.

“If the FCC continues with its plan, I will have no choice but to join legal action to protect Kentucky families from this sweeping and harmful policy change.” 

Here is the letter:


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