Clarke Calls For Public Comment To Help Protect Civil Rights Online

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) called for public comment on the discussion draft for her upcoming bill, the Civil Rights Modernization Act of 2021. The bill will amend Section 230 of the Communications Act to ensure that civil rights laws apply to the targeting of advertisements.

There is a history of discriminatory targeting of advertisements that has harmed society by allowing consumers to be excluded from seeing certain ads. These harms are not theoretical and occur in real-time -- with particularly troubling implications for communities of color. Personal data such as gender, race, hobbies and interests, and zip code are used to limit the online visibility of many opportunities, thus perpetuating inequities in housing opportunities, credit and employment.

"Harmful advertising practices that target communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups are increasing in scale and consequence. To comprehensively address these civil rights implications, Section 230 must be reformed. This draft is a necessary step to addressing civil rights violations during these unprecedented times," said Clarke.

"I applaud Congresswoman Clarke's efforts to tackle this difficult and important issue," said Congressman Mike Doyle, Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. "We know all too well how marketing efforts have been targeted to exclude marginalized groups from voting, housing, job opportunities, and other beneficial economic activity. Modern technology makes addressing this challenge even more essential. We have seen through the pandemic, the racial justice movement, and the events that led to the attack on the Capitol on January 6th -- as well as so many more issues that we have discussed over the last several years -- that online platforms need greater accountability. I plan to work with my colleagues on the Committee to release additional proposals that together will form a comprehensive package to help reform existing law and ensure that online platforms are working to benefit our democracy and not against it."

As a first step in examining broader Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act reform, Clarke calls for public comment on her discussion draft to make thoughtful considerations to protect the American public's civil rights. If you are interested in providing a comment, please email NY09Press@mail.house.gov by February 5, 2021.

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