Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reportedly enacted a rules package, ratified this Wednesday, protecting communities from discrimination by different internet providers based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin.
The new rules will empower the Commission to examine and look into cases of discrimination against specific populations by broadband providers.
FCC's newly adopted rules are also intended to eliminate 'digital discrimination,' prohibiting digital inequities or the "digital divide" amongst many communities experiencing a complete lack of internet "due to regional or socioeconomic inequality."
Associated Press states that according to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the agency was mandated by Congress to establish regulations about digital discrimination.
The need for the new regulations was also highlighted by the Chair who stating that "the digital divide puts us at an economic disadvantage as a country and disproportionately affects communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural areas." she also added that "We know broadband is essential infrastructure for modern life, and these rules will bring us one step closer to ensuring everyone has access to the internet, no matter who they are or where they live,"
FCC's news release states that the new rules target commercial practices and regulations that, without sufficient reason, obstruct equitable broadband access. The new regulations center "on the genuine problem of outcome, such as when decisions untainted by discriminatory intent nevertheless cause different communities to receive different access to broadband services."
FCC's Expanded Authority Against Internet Providers
FCC's newly adopted rules are meant to be implemented by the Commission by looking into potential cases of discriminatory internet access, assisting businesses in resolving issues, serving as a mediator in disputes, and, if required, taking legal action against corporations that break the law.
The FCC will also investigate consumer complaints of digital discrimination in access through an enhanced consumer complaint site, and staff members will also convene monthly to evaluate patterns in complaint trends.
Lastly, the Commission approved best practices and model rules to aid state, municipal, and tribal governments in their fight against 'digital discrimination.'
FCC also defined what constitutes "digital discrimination of access" by employing two "Policies or practices, not justified by genuine issues of technical or economic feasibility, that (1) differentially impact consumers' access to broadband internet access service based on their income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion or national origin, or (2) are intended to have such differential impact."
Sentiments Surrounding FCC's Newest Move
Associated Press reports, however, that certain groups opposed the regulation while others praised the move by the FCC. The telecom sector has reportedly challenged the framework, claiming that by imposing rules that it believes are unnecessary, the program will impede investment in communities. Meanwhile, a digital advocacy organization called Free Press Action praised the new regulations.
The primary trade group for the telecommunications sector, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, described the new regulations as "potentially unlawful" in a statement following the vote on Wednesday. It further stated that the FCC attempted to obtain "extensive new authority over virtually every aspect of the broadband marketplace."
Free Press Action welcomed the new regulations and urged the FCC to take one step further by reclassifying some broadband-related components to bring about "quick action to bring back the important oversight powers the agency needs to do its job."
