Regular readers will know that I was a reference librarian so I understand that lens. I think the recent article in Libraries for Digital Equality helps give a perspective on how the recent Chevron decision will impact digital equity and expansion.

The US Supreme Court just overturned Chevron v. The Natural Resources Defense Council, a 40 year old precedent for how government works.

This is big news for anyone interested in the way technology (and Big Tech) shape public policy, and vice versa.

They talk about why this change matters…

As ordained by our political system, Congress is supposed to set rules and regulations that protect our rights. (Think back to middle school civics.) In today’s world, no elected representative can be an expert on every topic where they are called to make a decision. That leads to the assumption in Chevron: where the laws enacted by Congress do not provide enough detail for specific regulatory decisions, agencies are empowered to clarify.

• Federal employees (and local public servants) provide critical subject expertise, which enables the law to be interpreted and implemented. 

And who will need to step in…

So the question is, who will protect us? Apparently not our government agencies, the only ones with any sort of rein on large corporations.

Yet again, the public turns to libraries.

There’s a bonus mention of the impact of Net Neutrality…

We’re also still reeling from the FCC’s decision to reclassify broadband as a telecom service under Title II of the Communications Act (i.e. the decision to restore “Net Neutrality”).

• This is a fantastic outcome for our patrons; it means their internet service providers can no longer offer paid prioritization to some traffic and not all.

• The measure is meant to prevent discrimination against low-income users or simply casual internet users, and to prevent tech giants from making deals that guarantee higher speeds for their services instead of a competitors.

• Imagine getting dropped from a work Zoom during high traffic hours because Netflix paid to ensure they are always connected to your TV…