Federal Judge Clears Way for President Obama’s Internet Giveaway – But Case May Not be Over

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ACLJ.org

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October 3, 2016

2 min read

Free Speech

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Late Friday, just hours before the deadline, a federal judge ruled against four states that are challenging President Obama’s long-planned giveaway of control over key aspects of the Internet.

After Congress failed to take any action to block the transfer last week, four states (Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada) filed a lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the transfer. The federal judge held an emergency hearing Friday afternoon – the last day before the scheduled transfer – and denied the motion.

Shortly after midnight on Friday night, the Obama Administration officially relinquished its oversight role.

The states challenging this move are still considering their legal options, which could include a possible appeal or proceeding on to trial on the merits in this case. We have been in communication with the states, and we stand ready to help in any way possible.  It was always a steep challenge, and now that challenge has become significantly more difficult.

The court’s ruling and, more significantly, President Obama’s insistence on giving away key control over the Internet are disturbing. The Internet has always been under American oversight and the protections of the U.S. Constitution.  Now, that may no longer be the case, as an organization with international stakeholders takes control of this key aspect of the Internet.

You can learn more about this dangerous move here.

As ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow warned earlier this week: “Let me be very blunt. Once America gives up control of the Internet, there is no reset button. The Internet could very well fall into the hands of the world’s most anti-free speech dictators, and we could do absolutely nothing about it.”

Years from now, our nation may look back on this transfer of oversight over the Internet as one of the most consequential mistakes of the Obama Administration.

It was an uphill battle from the beginning, but one worth fighting. We will be extra vigilant to fight against any foreign control or threat against the greatest tool for free speech the world has ever known.

We will continue to keep you updated on this important case.