With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
California Could Become First State To Outlaw 'Digital Discrimination'
Last November, the FCC adopted new rules to end digital discrimination based on income, race and other characteristics.
(
Ethan Miller
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
California could become the first state in the nation to outlaw "digital discrimination" of access to the internet based on income, race and other protected traits. A new bill introduced this week would codify the FCC's new rules and hold internet providers accountable for offering slower, costlier broadband in low-income communities.
Why it matters: Digital equity advocates say the policy is crucial to closing the state's digital divide. An estimated 3.5 million Californian households don't have internet access, shutting them out of many aspects of modern society, and experts say cost is the main barrier.
Why now: The news comes as the state is rolling out its multi-billion dollar Broadband for All plan to connect millions of underserved residents to the internet.
Support for LAist comes from
The backstory: California is leading the fight against digital discrimination. Last month, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the nation's first city-level digital discrimination policy. It creates a new way for residents to submit discrimination complaints against internet service providers.
Go deeper: Read the California Community Foundation and Digital Equity LA Coalition report on disparities in advertised pricing here.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist