This week we learned that the FCC is moving forward to repeal net neutrality rules that protect our free and open internet. As I said in my letter to the FCC just a few months ago: this proposal is a grave threat to the idea that the internet should be free and accessible for all. It’s a danger to our economy and free speech rights and we must defeat it.

More than 700,000 Californians — and more than 8 million Americans — have already submitted comments in response to the FCC’s misguided proposal, including myself. Our message has been clear: broadband providers must not be allowed to tilt the playing field by blocking or throttling their competitors, prioritizing their offerings, or otherwise unreasonably interfering with lawful content.

The basic principle of net neutrality is that access to all websites and web services should be treated equally — that anyone can start their own website and make it accessible to anyone with internet access.

What the FCC wants to do is empower broadband service providers — the gatekeepers of the internet — to potentially distort the online marketplace and set up a pay-for-play system.

This would be a terrible mistake that would hurt the most vulnerable and voiceless among us. It will imperil our economy while reducing innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

I have confidence that if enough of us come together in the next several weeks, we can make our voices heard and save the internet.