Ajit Pai: Social Media Companies SHOULD NOT Be Regulated As Public Utilities

This is a major disappointment:

“These issues of online transparency, privacy, and free expression raise the question of public oversight. And some critics of these companies have called for strict, utility-style regulation. To be clear, I don’t believe that is the right answer. The government — in particular, the Federal Communications Commission, which I have the privilege of leading — shouldn’t regulate these entities like a water company. Among other things, because they are private entities, they do not violate the First Amendment when they make certain business judgments about content on their sites.”

I’m afraid this is becoming just another example of election year smoke and mirrors:

“The Attorney General has convened a meeting with a number of state attorneys general this month to discuss a growing concern that these companies may be hurting competition and intentionally stifling the free exchange of ideas on their platforms,” said Justice Department spokesman Devin O’Malley. …”

Things we don’t want to hear:

1.) Jack Dorsey should testify before Congress, but should be asked a few softball questions by Democrats.

2.) Social media monopolies are censoring conservatives, but they shouldn’t be regulated.

3.) We will “take a look” at social media censorship.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH. NOT EVEN CLOSE. EITHER DO SOMETHING OR STOP WASTING OUR TIME.