FCC blocked implementation of own previous rules requiring Internet service providers to protect customer data

Briefing

FCC blocked implementation of own previous rules requiring Internet service providers to protect customer data

March 15, 2017

Briefing

  • Blocked Rules – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on March 1, 2017 to block rules previously set in March 2016 under Obama administration that would have subjected broadband Internet service providers (ISPs) to stricter privacy regulations for handling customer data
  • Background – Rules would have required ISPs to gain consumer consent before sharing their data with advertisers and marketers, and ask them to take steps to protect customer information from theft and data breaches as well as notify consumers of such incidences
  • New FCC Plans – FCC headed by Ajit Pai said they will work at arriving at consistent privacy framework by reconciling how Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also regulates websites, which are subject to weaker privacy regulations compared to ISPs
  • Consumer Advocates Objection – Consumer advocates object to vote, with Consumer Reports saying rules have already passed through more than 50,000 consumers who supported and petitioned directly to FCC
  • FCC Policy Uncertainty – FCC and Republican senators have indicated they may plan to scrap FCC’s other broadband privacy rules and transfer regulation of ISPs to FTC

Accelerator

Market Disruption

Organization

Consumer Reports, U.S. Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission

Source

Original Publication Date

March 1, 2017

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