Comcast Attempts to Silence Advocacy for Net Neutrality

In a striking development, Comcast has issued a cease and desist order against a pro-net neutrality website, prompting concerns over freedom of speech and corporate censorship. The organization Fight for the Future operates Comcastroturf.com, a site that calls for an investigation into potential fraudulent comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—comments that may have been funded by the cable lobby.

Comcast’s legal representatives contend that Comcastroturf.com infringes on the company’s “valuable intellectual property” and threatens legal action if the domain is not handed over to them. This maneuver has drawn attention not only for its implications but also for its irony. It underscores the very arguments in favor of Title II net neutrality protections, which would prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Comcast from blocking or throttling content that they deem unfavorable.

The Threat to Free Speech

The legal notice, which can be examined here, falsely alleges violations of the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act and Comcast’s trademarks. However, the site clearly engages in First Amendment-protected political discourse, without any intent to mimic or impersonate the corporation. Notable legal precedents, such as the case of Bosley Medical Institute vs. Kremer, emphasize that criticism of a company’s practices does not constitute trademark infringement.

Comcastroturf.com serves as a vital platform, urging users to check the FCC’s records for unauthorized comments supposedly submitted in their names to undermine Title II net neutrality protections. Reports have surfaced indicating that over 450,000 potentially fraudulent comments were submitted, and Fight for the Future has received numerous accounts from individuals whose personal information was exploited without consent. The organization is working diligently to connect these affected parties with their state Attorneys General and is calling upon the FCC to promptly investigate allegations of fraud.

A History of Censorship and Astroturfing

The current situation exemplifies a recurring pattern among corporations like Comcast: a history of funding dubious astroturfing initiatives and engaging in censorship to quell dissent. This behavior highlights the necessity for robust net neutrality regulations, as reliance on corporate promises to act ethically has proven unreliable.

Despite the onslaught of legal threats, Fight for the Future remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining Comcastroturf.com. The organization is prepared to defend its right to free speech in court, emphasizing that the fight for net neutrality is far from over. As advocates for an open Internet, they