Gigi Sohn's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Gigi Sohn is an influential American lawyer who has dedicated her career to advocating for an open and accessible internet, digital privacy, and affordable and reliable broadband for all. With her extensive expertise in telecommunications law and policy, she has played a key role in shaping the digital landscape in the United States.

Sohn’s journey in the legal field began as a student at Brown University, where she developed a passion for civil rights advocacy. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, she pursued a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School. These academic pursuits laid the foundation for her influential career in the legal realm.

After graduating law school, Sohn began working as a staff attorney for Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. This experience further fueled her passion for fighting for public interest and the rights of individual consumers. It was during this time that she became particularly interested in the emerging field of telecommunications law, understanding how critical it is for ordinary citizens to have equitable access to the internet.

Sohn’s dedication to ensuring a fair and open internet led her to co-found Public Knowledge in 2001, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting openness, creativity, and innovation in the digital world. As the President and CEO, she championed various issues, including net neutrality, copyright reform, and expanding affordable broadband access to underserved communities. Sohn played a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots campaigns, engaging with policymakers, and raising public awareness about these crucial digital rights.

In 2013, Sohn’s expertise and dedication caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who appointed her as Counselor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Tom Wheeler. During her time at the FCC, she played a crucial role in the development and implementation of strong net neutrality rules. Sohn's influence was particularly evident when the FCC adopted the Open Internet Order in 2015, which reclassified broadband providers as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act, granting the FCC more regulatory control over broadband companies to ensure equal treatment of internet traffic.

Following her tenure at the FCC, Sohn continued to shape the legal landscape surrounding telecommunications as a Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy. In this role, she focused on research, advocacy, and education related to promoting an open and accessible internet, competition in the telecom industry, and bridging the digital divide.

As a tireless advocate for digital rights, Sohn has testified before Congress, spoken at numerous national and international conferences, and written extensively on the importance of net neutrality, digital privacy, and closing the digital divide. She has consistently emphasized the need for policies that protect consumers, foster innovation, and ensure equal access to digital opportunities for all Americans.

In addition to her legal and advocacy work, Sohn has also provided guidance and leadership on various boards and committees. She has served on the boards of organizations such as the Benton Foundation, the Public Interest Registry, and the Media Democracy Fund.

Gigi Sohn’s commitment to protecting consumer rights in the digital age and her advocacy for an open and fair internet have made her a respected figure in the legal and technology sectors. Her expertise continues to shape policy discussions and influence policymakers, ensuring that the internet remains a powerful tool for communication, innovation, and social progress. Through her work, she has become an influential voice fighting for a more equitable and accessible digital future for all Americans.