Government Technology, March 28, 2022, What is digital redlining? Experts explain the nuances
Digital redlining is underinvestment by Internet companies in providing service to communities that are lower income — disproportionately communities of color — and it results in plans that have lower speeds and are often less affordable than those found in wealthier — and often whiter — areas, said Vinhcent Le, senior legal counsel of tech equity for The Greenlining Institute, a California-based organization that works to fix digital redlining.
Basically, Internet service providers make investment decisions based on profit, factoring in an area’s wealth as well as competition from other companies. In some cases, they may decide to invest in upgrading networks or providing vital network maintenance in wealthier areas instead of extending basic infrastructure or similar service to low-income areas.
