A Los Angeles City Council committee Friday approved a motion seeking to address inequitable access to the internet for historically disadvantaged groups, such as those who are low-income, people of color, immigrants and seniors.
The council’s Civil Rights, Equity, Aging and Disability Committee voted unanimously to support a motion introduced by seven council members on Dec. 12. The item was moved on consent, and did not elicit a lengthy discussion.
Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who spearheaded the motion, is seeking to update a city law to broaden investigations of complaints against discrimination to cover digital discrimination as well.
The California Public Utilities Commission Public Advocate’s Office defines digital redlining as, “Practices in which private or public entities limit investments in the installation, expansion, or upgrading of internet service infrastructure within specific geographic areas.”
Additionally, the motion calls for the Civil, Human Rights and Equity Department to develop a public information program to educate city residents about digital discrimination claims, and create a procedure to forward these complaints to the Federal Communications Commission for consideration.
In practice, for example, there may be instances where customers in low-income neighborhoods received slower or worse service, while at the same time an internet provider offered fast, reliable service to higher income neighborhoods.
Harris-Dawson would also like to see the department track digital discrimination complaints and use data as means to identify potential trends. Lastly, if the motion is approved by the full council, it would instruct the Bureau of Street Lighting to report on actions to address challenges and ensure equitable broadband access for city residents.
Language surrounding digital discrimination has not been codified at the city level, according to the motion.
More than 10 people addressed the five-member committee during public comment. Most of the speakers backed the motion, noting that the coronavirus pandemic brought to light the severity of a digital divide.
Evelyn Jimenez, an education advocate for Para Los Niños, an organization serving families and children across Los Angeles County, told council members that 92% of people it serves live below the federal poverty level, and 90% of its students are English-learners.
“Through our work we see first hand the devastation and impact of the digital divide,” Jimenez said. “This was especially evident during the pandemic where we had to provide nearly 2,000 devices to families with children, who otherwise would not have access to it for remote learning.”
She added, “PLN strongly supports the inclusion of ongoing tracking and reporting, embracing data-driven strategies and demonstrations, and a commitment to transparency.”
There was one person who spoke out against the motion and questioned its significance.
The item will now be taken up by the full City Council at a future meeting.