Three Companies Impersonated Millions to Influence Internet Policy (ag.ny.gov)

Article summary

The New York Attorney General has secured $615,000 from three companies that supplied millions of fake public comments to influence the FCC's repeal of net neutrality rules in 2017. The fake comments used the identities of millions of consumers without their knowledge or consent. The companies, LCX, Lead ID, and Ifficient, have agreed to pay penalties and disgorgement. This is the second series of agreements secured by the Attorney General with companies that supplied fake comments to the FCC.

Main themes

• fake comments
• net neutrality
• corporate liability
• government policy
• democratic process
• accountability

What commenters say

• The fine of $615,000 is too small to be an effective deterrent for companies that stand to gain billions from their actions.
• The individuals responsible for the fraud should face serious jail time, rather than just the companies paying a fine.
• The use of fake comments to influence government policy is a serious issue that undermines the democratic process.
• The fact that the outcome of the FCC's decision would have been the same regardless of the comments suggests that the fine is not a significant punishment.
• The current system of corporate liability allows executives and shareholders to avoid responsibility for their actions, and this needs to be changed.
• Prosecuting majority stakeholders who insist they are not responsible for a company's actions could be a way to hold them accountable.
• The use of limited liability companies (LLCs) has made it easier for individuals to avoid liability for corporate actions, and this is a problem that needs to be addressed.