Rep Clarke Introduces the Anti-Digital Redlining Act of 2021 with Baltimorean Support

The Anti-Digital Redlining Act of 2021 (HR.4875), sponsored by Rep Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would require the FCC to investigate whether internet service providers have discriminatory practices based on income, race, color religion, national origin, and other factors within a geographic area. It also calls for a consumer-centric analysis of franchise agreements between local governments and telecommunications providers. Digital redlining is a term that draws a line between the Baltimore (MD)-pioneered discriminatory real estate practices that fueled segregation in the early 20th century and the digital divide that leaves 40% of Baltimoreans without internet access, and has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Baltimore leaders and advocates are backing the new bill; Clarke worked with a group of 100 local elected officials from across the country to craft the legislation, including city council members and advocacy organizations dedicated to digital equity.