Snapchat will finally join the Net Neutrality Day bandwagon

A free and open internet is at stake, and the tech giants aren't letting it go without a fight.

Snap Inc., the parent of Snapchat, is just the latest tech company to throw its public support behind the open internet in a statement sent to Mashable.

The company also confirmed its participation in Net Neutrality Day through the Internet Association, a trade group that represents many of the tech giants on issues related to the internet. Participants will advocate for people to contact Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to show their support for net neutrality.

"Without a free and open Internet, Snapchat would not be what it is today. We strongly believe in affording future innovators the same opportunities," a Snapchat spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

"That is why we are committed to supporting creativity, free expression, and a level playing field for all. It is essential that we maintain an Internet that rewards innovation, allows new businesses the opportunity to succeed, and grows our economy," it continued.

Snap's participation announcement comes weeks after some of its peers in the industry, drawing criticism from outspoken advocates for net neutrality:

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But Snapchat hasn't been silent on the importance of net neutrality for its business. As it noted in its S1, the papers it filed to go public, "the adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity, or use of the internet, including laws governing internet neutrality, could decrease the demand for our products and increase our cost of doing business."

Fight for the Future, an organization behind Net Neutrality Day, says nearly 70,000 people, organizations, online forums, startups, and other groups are participating in the event on Wednesday. The web platforms include Airbnb, Dropbox, Spotify, Google, Facebook, and now Snap Inc.