Inside the FCC’s 1.1 Million Net Neutrality Comments
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a staggering 1.4 GB of XML files containing over 1.1 million public comments on net neutrality—a record-breaking response second only to the infamous 2004 Janet Jackson Super Bowl incident. As the September 10 deadline for the second comment period approaches, this number is expected to grow even further.
Breaking Down the Data
The FCC made the comments accessible through five massive XML files. TechCrunch analyzed two of these files (batches one and four) to identify key trends and public sentiment. Here’s what stood out:
Top Keywords in Net Neutrality Debates
- Free Speech: Mentioned 2,322 times, highlighting concerns over internet censorship.
- ISPs: Comcast dominated with 4,613 mentions, reflecting public frustration with internet service providers.
- Streaming Services: Netflix appeared 1,903 times, underscoring its role in the net neutrality discussion.
- Geographic Trends: Comments from major cities like New York (1,447), Chicago (1,109), and San Francisco (979) were prominent.
Unexpected Mentions
While serious topics dominated, lighter references also appeared:
- TechCrunch: 22 mentions
- Celebrities: Kanye West and Oprah each got 2 mentions, while “drunk” appeared 5 times.
- Music Icons: Metallica and Katy Perry went unmentioned—perhaps a sign of shifting cultural priorities.
Why This Matters
Net neutrality remains a hot-button issue, with public commentary revealing deep concerns about:
- Corporate Control: Fear of ISPs throttling or prioritizing content.
- Free Expression: Advocacy for an open internet without censorship.
- Consumer Rights: Pushback against potential price gouging or restricted access.
Visualizing the Data
Chart showing keyword frequency in FCC comments.
The Bigger Picture
This unprecedented public engagement underscores the internet’s role as a vital public utility. As the FCC reviews these comments, the sheer volume highlights the stakes—for businesses, consumers, and free speech advocates alike.
Image Credit: Sarah Joy via CC BY-SA 2.0
