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Jason LambLaw and Public Policy Scholar
Temple University Beasley School of Law
COPYRIGHT © 2013 Jason Lamb
Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble”
U.S. Constitution Amendment I
The Digital Divide results in disenfranchisementand the weakening of our democracy
1. What is the Digital Divide?
2. Optimal Free Expression Environment:
3. Policy shift is needed Multi-Stakeholder Process
Free Flow of Information Quality Education Open Forums
Wide disparities in access to computer and internet technology
The Digital Divide affects several demographics.
The Poor, Elderly, and Less Educated are the most affected
1 in 5 Americans do not use the internet
Only 43% of adults without high school education
Only 62% of those living in households making $30,000.00 or less
Only 40% of adults over 65
80%
20%
OptimalFree Expression
Environment
Free Flow of Information Quality Education
Open Forums
Time of the Founders
◦ Free Flow News papers & pamphlets
◦ Education Home school & private institutions
◦ Open Forums Voting, Pubs, Churches, Town Halls
Modern Era
◦ Free Flow (Various types of Media; Increasingly consolidated)
◦ Education (Public & private education; varying quality)
◦ Open forums (Voting, public discourse, buying power)
All 3 access points are now facilitated by the internet
Informed consent depends on the Free Flow
Broad access needed
Wide array of content needed
Broadband internet◦ Alternative information source
Homogenization of US media makes the internet an even more valuable resource.
In 1983 90% of US media was controlled by 50 companies
By 2012, over 95% is controlledby only 7 companies
The electorate must be educated about their rights and liberties
US education levels, especially civic education levels are at historic lows
Online educational tools are valuable supplementary and alternative resources
3 key benefits1. Conduit for the free flow of information2. Opportunity for citizens to discuss the issues3. Outlet for communicating dissent to the Government
3 Primary Open Forums1. The Vote
2. Public Discourse
3. Buying power through economic markets
The Vote
◦ Civic education and involvement are at all time lows
◦ Voter turn out has been consistently low
◦ Online resources are key sources of civic education and information
Public Discourse◦ Traditional sources increasingly less important
◦ Political Discussion Boards
◦ Blogs
◦ Fact Checking websites
Data Point: 54% of adults used the internet to get news about the 2010mid-term elections
Buying power◦ Long history of political dissent through buying
power
Boston Tea Party
Abolitionist boycotts of slave-made goods
Jim Crow boycotts
◦ E-commerce an increasingly important form of buying
◦ Cannot participate if you’re not online
FCC◦ E-rate Program (1996 - )◦ National Broadband Plan (2009 - )
DOC/NTIA◦ TOP – Technology Opportunities Program (1994-2004)◦ BTOP - Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (2009 –
2013)
HUD◦ NNP - Neighborhood Networks Program (1995 - )
Dept. of ED◦ CTC - Community Technology Centers Program (1999-2004)
Adoption of broadband internet access has slowed ◦ 2009 – 63% adoption◦ 2010 – 66% adoption◦ 2012 – 68% adoption
In contrast, smartphone adoption has skyrocketed.◦ 2009 – 17% adoption◦ 2011 – 35% adoption◦ 2012 – 46% adoption
The market moved much faster than the government despite our best efforts
Better coordinated efforts that are more responsive to the market are needed
5% increase ($7.2 Bil Federal dollars)
29% increase ($0.00 Federal dollars)
Multi-Stakeholder Process
Brings federal government, local government, private industry and non-profit stakeholders to the round table to
create flexible solutions
Administrative Goals: Equity, Accountability, Transparency and Participation
Policy Goals: Flexible/ Adaptable Solutions
Contact:Jason Lamb
www.jasonmlamb.com
http://sites.temple.edu/lawdcsummer/
“The Digital Divide: Free Expression, Technology and a Fair Democracy”http://sites.temple.edu/lawdcsummer/files/2012/07/Digital_Divide_White_Paper_Jason_Lamb-use2.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/9n2fu8u
