On Sunday, Sept., 30th, The Department of Justice for the United States filed a lawsuit against the state of California over a new law regarding net neutrality. The law prohibits companies that provide the internet from blocking customers’ content as well as charging additional fees for faster internet. This new law has the possibility of gaining support from other states, as net neutrality was rolled back last year. California has the largest economy in the America and the fifth largest worldwide, making the state have significant influence over laws regarding business. State Senator Scott Wiener hoped that the passing of this law, which he helped write, would spark a national conversation to restore net neutrality.

The United State’s Department of Justice argued that since states are not allowed to regulate interstate commerce, they do not have the right to defy federal law, thus making the bill illegal under the federal government. Attorney General Jeff Sessions explained, “Once again the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy.” Major companies including Comcast and AT&T have agreed with Sessions and have lobbied against the bill, arguing that the law would cause higher internet bills. These companies also believe it would be unrealistic to have such laws differing drastically from state to state.

For now, California has chosen to defend its new law, in an effort to protect fair internet for its citizens. This law is currently the nation’s strictest net neutrality measure taken since it was rolled back. Advocates are hoping that this step taken by California will encourage the federal government to create similar laws, as more states sides with California.