The Impacts of COVID-19 on Digital Equity Ecosystems
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
November 2020
Analysis
Analysis
Confirmation Mischief at the FCC
Approving federal judges is a priority for Mitch McConnell during the lame-duck session of Congress, but Republicans shouldn’t dither on confirming Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission. He will be needed to oppose internet regulation early in a Biden Presidency. Simington’s confirmation is in jeopardy because of—who else?—President Trump. Republicans would be committing self-sabotage by scotching Simington’s confirmation.
Opinion: Tech platforms need to be checked. Instead, Congress gives us theater. (Washington Post)
Submitted by benton on Tue, 11/17/2020 - 18:09GOP senators berate Facebook, Twitter CEOs, who say they did the best they could during election
The CEOs of Twitter and Facebook defended their efforts to reduce the spread of online disinformation about the presidential election and the integrity of the US voting system as they faced an onslaught of criticism from Senate Republicans who accused the tech giants of censoring conservative views and favoring Democrats.
Rep McCarthy, Other Top House Republicans Reelected To Leadership Posts For Next Congress (National Public Radio)
Submitted by benton on Tue, 11/17/2020 - 18:03House Passes Three Communications and Technology Bills
The House of Representatives passed the following bills:
Governor Strategies To Expand Affordable Broadband Access
Increasing access to the internet and improving the affordability of broadband services has been a long-standing priority for governors; more than twenty states now have dedicated broadband offices to address the digital divide while more have robust governance structures that include task forces, working groups, and committees.
New equity initiative to bridge digital divide for households across illinois
Governor JB Pritzker (D-IL) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband announced a new Digital Equity Package, enlisting state, local, nonprofit, and philanthropic support to address gaps in digital access, adoption, and affordability for high-speed internet access. The comprehensive approach is designed to help communities identify and address existing broadband equity gaps, as well as to leverage new and existing sources of funding for long-term broadband equity.
How Georgia’s Senate runoff will affect net neutrality
The runoff for Georgia’s two Senate seats will have implications for a dizzying number of policy issues for President-elect Joe Biden’s administration—including the future of net neutrality. The two Senate seats in Georgia will determine the balance of power in Congress’ upper chamber. Controlling both chambers of Congress and the presidency would give Democrats wide latitude in shaping policy. “Winning both changes the calculus.