Los Angeles Cracks Down On 'Digital Discrimination' By Internet Service Providers

There will soon be a new way for Los Angeles residents to submit a complaint if they feel they've been discriminated against by internet companies. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to hold internet providers accountable for offering slower, costlier broadband in low-income communities. While there’s no “specific timeline,” Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson said the Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department will look at the city’s existing anti-discrimination laws and create a new policy for investigating complaints. It will also develop a public information program so that people know where to go for help, and create a process for forwarding claims to the Federal Communications Commission. The city will also be tasked with analyzing complaints, including demographic information, and will report annually on any potential trends. Advocates are celebrating the “historic action” and say it makes L.A. the first city in the nation to directly address digital discrimination.