Labor and public interest advocates urge FCC to adopt strong rules against digital discrimination

CWA, Common Cause, and United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry urged the adoption of strong FCC rules to prevent digital discrimination. The labor and public interest organizations’ comments asked the FCC to begin a robust data collection process, create an Office of Civil Rights to ensure the rules that come out of this proceeding are implemented effectively, set up a dedicated complaint process to facilitate transparency and allow consumers who have been harmed to have their stories heard, and for the Commission to address all forms of discrimination, not just intentional discrimination by traditional broadband providers.

“The lack of equal access to broadband among marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income households, and those living in rural areas, has excluded many households from fully participating in our society,” said the joint comments. “Through the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress acknowledged this problem by tasking the FCC with adopting rules that ‘facilitate equal access to broadband internet access service,’ and eliminate digital discrimination. It is critical that the Commission get this right.”

Links:

Reply Comments of Common Cause, Communications Workers of America, and United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry (FCC, June 30, 2022)