Over 20 states launch bid to block FCC repeal of net neutrality rules

Twenty-one states, the District of Columbia and several public interest groups are taking the Federal Communications Commission to court in a bid to block the repeal of the net neutrality rules, in a sign of a high-stakes legal battle over the future of the internet in the offing.

Under the FCC's rules internet providers had been barred from slowing down or blocking websites.

New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman, who is leading the states' suit, said that the FCC's repeal of the net neutrality rules was ''arbitrary'' and ''capricious'' and violates federal law.

The action comes only a day after Democrats in the Senate said they were nearing the number of votes needed for a legislative measure to help overturn the FCC's rule change.

Their resolution seeks to reverse the FCC's decision and block the agency from passing similar measures in the future.

The move has garnered the support of all 49 Democratic senators as also one Republican, senator Susan Collins of Maine.

According to commentators, the lawsuit represents another course for supporters of the net neutrality rules to block the FCC's move.

The net neutrality rules were dismantled in a December vote led by Republican FCC chairman Ajit Pai.

Republicans had argued that the existing rules discouraged industry investment, while Democrats saw it as vital consumer protection.

Commentators point out that even if Democrats were to win a majority in the senate, a repeal would also require winning a vote in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are in greater majority, and would still be subject to a likely veto by president Donald Trump.

In a statement, senator Ed Markey said that all 49 Democrats need 51 votes to win any proposal in the Republican-controlled senate as vice president Mike Pence can break any tie.