John -

We’ve been told by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control to practice social distancing and to stay home. Businesses that can are telling their staff to work from home. Schools are moving to distance education.

Our interactions are going to be greatly moved online for some amount of time, as is the information we need to stay safe.

Unfettered access to the Internet is a necessity right now, which is why we’re fighting for net neutrality.

And even in this moment, where it feels like there is only one thing to focus on, it’s important to continue this fight. We’ve already seen how ISPs will abuse their power even in moments of crisis, like Verizon did when they throttled Internet speeds for emergency responders during the California wildfires.¹

We know that big telecom companies will screw people over, and we need to watch their every move and hold them accountable. Some companies have made offerings to help people right now, but we must remain vigilant in the coming weeks and months, and after things start to return to ‘normal.’^2,3

I’ll be honest, it’s hard to ask for money right now. There are vulnerable populations who are in need, and will be in need in the coming weeks. If you are moved to give to public health organizations, your local food bank, or other organizations working to protect us in this moment, I completely understand and am thankful that you’re supporting your community.

But if you can, and if like us you truly believe in the Internet and understand how important it's going to be in this moment, please donate to support the fight for net neutrality.

Together for the Internet,

Caitlin at Fight for the Future

Footnotes:

1. NPR: https://www.npr.org/2018/08/22/640815074/verizon-throttled-firefighters-data-as-mendocino-wildfire-raged-fire-chief-says

2. Vice: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/v74qzb/atandt-suspends-broadband-usage-caps-during-coronavirus-crisis

3. Life Hacker: https://lifehacker.com/comcast-is-offering-60-days-of-free-internet-for-low-in-1842312439

Fight for the Future works to protect your rights in the digital age.