The group representing internet giants such as Google, Facebook and Netflix has announced plans to join the legal battle against the FCC's repeal of the net neutrality rule.

In a statement Friday, Internet Association CEO Michael Beckerman said the final version of the rule promulgated by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai "dismantles" consumer protections. http://bit.ly/2F2UlmL

"This rule defies the will of a bipartisan majority of Americans and fails to preserve a free and open internet. IA intends to act as an intervenor in judicial action against this order and, along with our member companies, will continue our push to restore strong, enforceable net neutrality protections through a legislative solution," Beckerman said.

The New York Times noted that this was the first time the internet companies announced they would challenge the rule. http://nyti.ms/2m9DfdV

Pai canceled a scheduled appearance at Consumer Technology Association's CES trade show, which starts tomorrow, The Times reported. The commission declined to say why he would not attend, but has previously confirmed that he and his family had received threats by phone and email over the net neutrality issue, according to the paper.

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