FCC Enacts First Major U.S. Digital Civil Rights Policy

New rules target discrimination in internet access, addressing digital inequities and the 'digital divide'.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted new rules to eliminate discrimination in access to internet services, a move called the first major U.S. digital civil rights policy.
The rules empower the FCC to review and investigate instances of discrimination by broadband providers to different communities based on income, race, ethnicity, and other protected classes.
The order provides a framework for the FCC to address digital inequities, including disparities in the investment of services for different neighborhoods, and the 'digital divide'.
The telecommunications industry has opposed the framework, arguing that the policy would hamper investment in communities by requiring regulations that the industry says are unnecessary.
The FCC is also poised to reimplement landmark net neutrality rules that were rescinded under the Trump administration.