Strong net neutrality rules in the US would give authoritarian states an excuse to strengthen their grip over the Internet, Federal Communications Commission member Ajit Pai reportedly said today.

Pai is one of two Republicans on the five-member commission opposing Chairman Tom Wheeler's net neutrality plan, and spoke today at an event hosted by TechAmerica, part of the CompTIA technology trade association. According to The Hill, Pai said that tough net neutrality rules could provide cover to leaders in North Korea, Iran, and other states.

“If in the United States we adopt regulations that assert more government control over how the Internet operates... it becomes a lot more difficult for us to go on the international stage and tell governments: ‘Look, we want you to keep your hands off the Internet,’” Pai said, the Hill reported. “Even if the ideas aren’t completely identical, you can appreciate the optical difficult[y] in trying to make that case."

Wheeler proposes reclassifying broadband as a common carrier service in order to enforce net neutrality rules that forbid Internet providers from interfering with online traffic.

“Chairman Wheeler’s proposed open Internet rules strengthen core Democratic values online,” an FCC spokesman said in response to Pai's comments. “The proposal prevents cable and wireless companies who provide access to the Internet from acting as gatekeepers, ensuring the Internet remains an open platform for free speech and expression for all Americans.”

Pai also held a press conference denouncing Wheeler's plan yesterday, and is scheduled to appear on the next "PoliticKING" with Larry King, a show on RT America, part of the Russian state-funded RT network.

The FCC's other Republican member, Michael O'Rielly, also blasted Wheeler's plan in a statement yesterday.