Your name may have been used for fake public comments on net neutrality

(KMSP) - New information released by authorities reveals thousands of Minnesotans had their names falsely used during a public comment period for the Federal Communication Commission’s proposal on net neutrality.  

On Thursday, the FCC voted to repeal 2015 net neutrality rules that the vast majority of Americans wanted to keep. The vote passed, despite news that the public comment period was corrupt with millions of fake comments.

According to a map released by New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, between 10,000 and 50,000 fake comments came from Minnesota during the public comment period.

If you would like to check if your name was used during that period without your consent, visit ag.ny.gov/fakecomments. 

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has joined 15 other senators in introducing the Congressional Review Act, a joint resolution that would undo the FCC's action and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. 

“As a strong supporter of a free and open internet, I was extremely disappointed in the Federal Communications Commission’s vote to eliminate net neutrality rules—a vote that will harm our rural communities, consumers, and small businesses,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “We must continue the fight to preserve net neutrality protections. With this action, Congress can push back on the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal protections that keep the internet free and open.”