Gov. Brown Signs Toughest Net Neutrality Bill In U.S., DOJ Sues CA
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed the nation's toughest net neutrality measure that requires internet providers to maintain a level playing field online.
Advocates of net neutrality hope the move Sunday will nudge Congress to enact a national standard or encourage other states to follow suit.
It's the latest example of the nation's most populous state seeking to drive public policy outside its borders and rebuff President Donald Trump's agenda.
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The Federal Communications Commission last year repealed rules preventing internet companies from exercising more control over what people watch and see on the internet.
Telecommunications companies oppose California's measure and are likely to challenge it in court. They say it will lead to higher internet and cellphone prices and discourage investments in faster internet.
Roughy an hour after the bill was signed, the Trump administration sued California over the new law.
The lawsuit argues that California's approach is "unlawful and anti-consumer" because it imposes burdensome regulations on the Internet and goes against the federal government's approach.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he will defend the federal government's position.
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