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As the commissioner of the FCC, Geoffrey Starks fights to close the digital divide that has left rural and urban communities of color even further behind as the world turned to virtual alternatives during the pandemic.
As FCC Commissioner since 2019, Geoffrey Starks pushed for universal broadband access, subsidized computers and devices, and campaigns to keep vulnerable communities informed about the benefits of programs like Lifeline. Born and raised in Kansas City, Stark understands how communications barriers persist in rural America. The pandemic made it more evident than ever how many Black, Latinx, Indigenous, low-income, and rural communities were left behind economically and socially without vital internet access. Once schools, offices, libraries, and restaurants closed, millions lost their only access to the virtual world, and he's committed to changing that. Starks also pushed for a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program. While he wants to ensure everyone has equitable internet access, he is also vigilant about protecting consumers from intrusive and predatory companies compromising or selling their data. Starks is at the forefront of national security policy to protect the communications networks of large corporations, institutions, and government agencies that are increasingly vulnerable to breaches.