Former Consumer Advocate Named FCC Open Internet Ombudsman

Parul Desai, a former lawyer for Consumers Union and the Media Access Project, was named the FCC's open Internet ombudsman. Desai is currently an assistant chief in the Consumer and Governmental Affairs (CGA) Bureau. The net neutrality rules, which took effect Friday (see 1506120036), specify that the agency will appoint “an ombudsperson to assist consumers, businesses, and organizations with open Internet complaints and questions by ensuring these parties have effective access to the Commission’s processes that protect their interests,” the FCC said in a news release. The rules also specify the ombudsman must be located inside CGA. The appointment was made by new acting CGA Chief Alison Kutler.