Twitter Is Spoiling For A Fight After Trump’s FCC Repeals Open Internet Rules

Despite widespread concern and outrage from the public, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to repeal net neutrality protections Thursday in a vote split along party lines. Given the massive interest and controversy surrounding the FCC net neutrality repeal, tweets were quick to respond to the decision. But while a significant number of people were outraged and concerned with the commission's vote to repeal, many were ready to fight back to protect net neutrality.

The three Republican members of the FCC spoke — and voted — in favor of eliminating Obama-era regulations currently prohibiting internet service providers from blocking or throttling internet access or establishing paid fast lanes. The commission's two Democrats, however, fiercely opposed the proposal. In moving to repeal net neutrality protections, the FCC has opened the door for telecommunication giants like Comcast and AT&T to be freely able to slow down service, block access to certain apps or services run by competitors, and establish faster access lanes for those willing to pay a higher price. Under the new proposal telecommunication companies would just be required to alert the FCC to what they're doing and keep their policies available to users online.

Here's how folks on Twitter reacted to the news of the FCC's move to repeal:

Now The Real Fight Begins

For many people, the FCC's vote to repeal net neutrality protections was not the end, but the beginning of the fight to protect open internet.

It's Not Over

Many on Twitter took hope in the fact that advocacy groups had vowed to challenge the FCC's net neutrality repeal in court.

Things That Are Nearly Impossible Without The Internet

Some Twitter users sought to drive home what the fight to protect net neutrality was really about through gentle reminders of how vital the internet had become when it comes to things like applying for jobs or college.

Don't Be Afraid To Contact Your Official

Others on Twitter continued to encourage those who were upset over Thursday's FCC vote to call or write to their government officials about the issue.

"The FCC Won't Let Me Be"

In 2001, the FCC moved to fine a radio station for playing an edited version of Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady," which they said was still too "indecent" for airwaves. Although the fine was later dropped, Eminem voiced his frustration with the commission in his 2002 hit "Without Me."

The Next Step Of The Fight

As more than a few people noted, Thursday's FCC vote isn't the end of the net neutrality fight.

Consider Yourself A Vine Historian

Amid the outraged tweets and calls to action, jokes about preserving the internet's greatest treasures served to boost the spirits of those feeling disheartened.

We Must Keep Fighting

Some Twitter users urged others to fight to protect net neutrality as part of a broader effort to preserve quick and easy access to vital mental health resources.

The Truth Is...

Will the FCC's repeal of net neutrality affect you? If you regularly use the internet, then yes.

The Beginning Of A Longer Legal Battle

"This is the beginning of a longer legal battle," Netflix tweeted shortly after the FCC's vote Thursday, signaling the streaming and entertainment service's commitment to oppose the FCC's repeal of net neutrality protections.

Can You Hear Me Now?

More than one Twitter user expressed frustration over feeling as though their voice, and the voices of the hundreds of thousands of other people opposing a repeal of net neutrality regulations, had gone ignored by the five-member FCC.

Any Minute Now

Shortly after the FCC's vote, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced he would sue to "stop the FCC’s illegal rollback of net neutrality," TechCrunch has reported. Schneiderman's lawsuit is expected to be one of many challenging the FCC's repeal.

The ACLU Is Gearing Up

"We just lost an important battle in the war for an open internet," the American Civil Liberties Union wrote in a tweet posted shortly after the vote Thursday. "But that war is far from over."

Expect A Fight In Congress, Too

Sen. Ed Markey announced plans to introduce a resolution for a Congressional Review Act that would reverse the FCC's repeal of net neutrality.

We Must Fight Back

Sen. Bernie Sanders called the FCC's move to repeal net neutrality "a disastrous decision" that would impact every American and give huge advantages to big corporations. He urged people to "do everything we can" to defeat the FCC's repeal in court and legislatively.

Other Ways To Fight Back

One Twitter user noted that the voting booth could be an effective place to take the fight for net neutrality in 2018.

There Are Candidates Who Support Net Neutrality

If net neutrality is an important issue for you, it's likely worth knowing who supports net neutrality and who doesn't ahead of the midterm elections.

Goodbye Twitter, Hello MS Paint

At least some Twitter users seemed to know what they'll be doing should internet providers opt to block, throttle, or chop up access to the websites and apps once used to pass the time.

What If There Was A Store You Could Borrow Movies From?

Concerns over how the FCC's repeal of net neutrality might come to affect access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu led to some fond remembrances and a few jokes from Twitter users.

Speak Up

Even the petition website Change.org voiced confidence that the fight to protect open internet and preserve net neutrality protections wasn't over.

Don't Assume This Issue Is Over And Done

More than one Twitter users stressed the fight over net neutrality was far from being "over and done" in an attempt to encourage those outraged by the FCC's repeal to keep up the fight.

Let's Get This Battle Going

More than one Twitter user hoped others with powerful and highly-visible platforms would come forward to advocate for protecting net neutrality.

Hello, Canada

If all else fails, one Twitter user tossed out the idea of moving to Canada. Never say never.