FCC moves to eliminate ‘digital discrimination’ and boost internet access for poor people and people of color
FCC moves to eliminate ‘digital discrimination’ and boost internet access for poor people and people of color Fortune
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The Federal Communications Commission Enacts New Rules to Eliminate Discrimination in Access to Internet Services
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ratified a new rules package aimed at eliminating discrimination in access to internet services. Regulators are hailing this move as the first major U.S. digital civil rights policy.
Empowering the FCC to Address Discrimination
The newly ratified rules empower the FCC to review and investigate instances of discrimination by broadband providers towards different communities based on income, race, ethnicity, and other protected classes.
The order also establishes a framework for the FCC to address various digital inequities, including disparities in service investment among different neighborhoods and the “digital divide.” The term “digital divide” refers to the lack of internet access experienced by many communities due to regional or socioeconomic inequality.
Fulfilling Congressional Mandate and Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
Congress mandated the FCC to adopt rules addressing digital discrimination through bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed at the beginning of the Biden administration. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized that the digital divide puts the country at an economic disadvantage and disproportionately affects communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural areas. She stated that broadband is essential infrastructure for modern life, and these rules are a step towards ensuring universal internet access.
Addressing Inequities and Establishing an Official Record of Discrimination
Poorer, less white neighborhoods have received lower investment in broadband infrastructure and faced worse deals for internet service compared to wealthier, whiter areas. This inequity was particularly pronounced during the pandemic. The FCC aims to streamline the process for reporting such issues and establish an official record of discrimination.
Examining Internet Service Provider Practices and Ensuring Non-Discrimination
The new rules enable the FCC to examine whether internet service providers have knowingly discriminated against communities in terms of building, upgrading, or maintaining internet access. The rules also provide a framework for determining whether proposed service plans would create a “discriminatory effect” that cannot be avoided by reasonable steps.
Industry Opposition and Advocacy for Stronger Oversight
The telecommunications industry opposes the new rules, arguing that they would hinder investment in communities and impose unnecessary regulations. The National Cable and Telecommunications Association, the industry’s main trade association, called the rules “potentially unlawful” and criticized the FCC for seeking expansive new authority over the broadband marketplace. On the other hand, digital advocacy group Free Press Action applauded the rules and called for further reclassification of broadband to enhance oversight powers.
Net Neutrality and Connecting Every U.S. Household
The FCC is also planning to reinstate net neutrality rules that were rescinded under the Trump administration. President Joe Biden aims to connect every U.S. household to quality internet service by 2030 through investments in the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Ensuring Equitable Deployment and Community Benefits
Experts emphasize the importance of ensuring that communities affected by discrimination benefit from these decisions through more equitable deployment of internet services. They stress the need for community groups and local organizations to play a vital role in reporting complaints and advocating for their communities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 5: Gender Equality (implied)
The article discusses the new rules enacted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate discrimination in access to internet services. This addresses the issue of reduced inequalities (SDG 10) as it aims to address disparities in internet access based on income, race, ethnicity, and other protected classes. The article also mentions the “digital divide,” which refers to the lack of internet access experienced by many communities due to regional or socioeconomic inequality. This connects to SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Additionally, although not explicitly mentioned, the issue of discrimination based on race and income implies a connection to SDG 5, which promotes gender equality.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- SDG 9.C: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 10.2, which focuses on promoting social, economic, and political inclusion regardless of various factors including race and income. The article highlights the disparities in investment and internet service deals between neighborhoods of different income levels and racial compositions, which indicates the need to address these inequalities. SDG 9.C is also relevant as it aims to increase access to information and communications technology, including universal and affordable access to the internet. The article discusses the “digital divide” and the lack of internet access in certain communities, emphasizing the importance of bridging this gap.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment in broadband infrastructure in different neighborhoods
- Deals for internet service offered in different neighborhoods
- Rates of internet access in communities impacted by discriminatory practices
- Number of complaints related to discrimination in internet access
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include investment in broadband infrastructure and the quality of internet service deals offered in different neighborhoods. The rates of internet access in communities impacted by discriminatory practices such as redlining and rural disinvestment can also serve as indicators. Additionally, the number of complaints related to discrimination in internet access can be used to measure progress in addressing these issues.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Investment in broadband infrastructure in different neighborhoods – Deals for internet service offered in different neighborhoods – Rates of internet access in communities impacted by discriminatory practices – Number of complaints related to discrimination in internet access |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.C: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. | – Investment in broadband infrastructure in different neighborhoods – Deals for internet service offered in different neighborhoods – Rates of internet access in communities impacted by discriminatory practices – Number of complaints related to discrimination in internet access |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality (implied) | N/A | N/A |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: fortune.com
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