Twitter
Advertisement

A Jedi acts selflessly for common man; not to enrich giant corps: Mark Hamill slams Ajit Pai's net neutrality video

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s parody video that showed him donning a lightsaber and Santa Claus outfit to poke fun at the concept of net neutrality has had a number of critics stating that the video is in poor taste. In fact, DJ Baauer, whose Harlem Shake features in the video, said that he opposes Pai’s decision and was considering taking legal action against the advocate.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s parody video that showed him donning a lightsaber and Santa Claus outfit to poke fun at the concept of net neutrality has had a number of critics stating that the video is in poor taste. In fact, DJ Baauer, whose Harlem Shake features in the video, said that he opposes Pai’s decision and was considering taking legal action against the advocate.

However, the biggest criticism came from Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who plays Jedi master Luke Skywalker in the George Lucas-created space opera. Hamill took to Twitter to say, “Cute video Ajit "Aren't I Precious?" Pai -but you are profoundly unworthy 2 wield a lightsaber-A Jedi acts selflessly for the common man-NOT lie 2 enrich giant corporations. Btw-did you pay John Williams his royalty? @AjitPaiFCCorpShill #AJediYouAreNOT" (sic)

The video features Pai dressed up as Santa Claus and weilding a lightsabre and a fidget spinner has gone viral since it was uploaded on Wednesday. Pai is seen defending his move to repeal net neutrality and mock the criticism against it. In the announcement laced with pop cultural references, Pai jokes that people can still share memes and shop for Christmas presents online.

The Federal Communications Commission, in a 3-2 vote, adopted a proposal by Republican-appointed chairman Pai.

The action reversed the agency's 2015 decision, during the previous Obama administration, to have stronger oversight over broadband providers.

The agency scrapped regulations that prohibited broadband providers from blocking websites or charging for higher- quality service or certain content. The federal government will also no longer regulate high-speed internet delivery as if it were a utility, like phone service.

The critics say the move is against the interest of the consumers and favours big corporate companies.

Pai and others in favour of the decision argued the deregulation of the internet would spur innovation, and that the Federal Trade Commission would have the authority to sue providers who abuse competition on the web.

The decision restores the longstanding, bipartisan light-touch regulatory framework that has fostered rapid Internet growth, openness, and freedom for nearly 20 years, the FCC said in a statement after the voting.

With Reuters Inputs

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement