EPIC Joins Public Knowledge,Benton Institute in Supporting FCC Authority to Combat Digital Discrimination and Establish Civil Rights Office

On April 1, Public Knowledge, joined by EPIC and the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, filed reply comments in support of the Federal Communication Commission’s legal authority to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination. The consumer advocates urged the FCC to standardize information required in its proposed annual reports on broadband development to make it easier for researchers to aggregate data to assess the extent to which broadband access is equitable. Building on their initial comments, the groups also encouraged the Commission to work closely with tribal communities in its efforts to eliminate digital discrimination (such as through listening sessions) because of the unique challenges these communities face in gaining access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. The consumer groups also reiterated their unwavering support for the FCC to establish an Office of Civil Rights.

EPIC has long advocated for consumer privacy protections in broadband services, including combating disparate treatment for economically disadvantaged Americans, and regularly files comments with the FCC.