Scalper1 News
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proposed stricter rules to protect online consumer privacy on Thursday, cracking down on Internet service providers such as Comcast ( CMCSA ), AT&T and Verizon Communications. The Federal Communications Commission’s rules would require ISPs to obtain permission from customers before sharing Web browsing data with third parties, including business partners. While the Federal Trade Commission has rules to protect consumer privacy, the FCC says more regulation is needed. The FCC and Verizon ( VZ ) last week reached a settlement over the broadband and wireless-phone company’s use of “super-cookies” that provide subscriber data for targeted advertising. Verizon agreed to pay a $1.35 million fine. AT&T ( T ), in a blog post , said FTC regulation is sufficient and that the FCC could put broadband companies at a disadvantage while Alphabet ‘s ( GOOGL ) Google, Facebook ( FB ) and others track consumers. “Limiting ISPs’ ability to compete with ad supported business models — which are overwhelmingly favored by consumers — is bad for consumers and ultimately bad for broadband investment in this country,” wrote Bob Quinn, AT&T’s senior vice president, federal regulatory. “Time and time again, the FCC appears to want to place its thumb on the scale in favor of Internet companies and against the companies that invest in broadband infrastructure in this country.” Six telecom trade groups — including CTIA and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association — on Feb. 11 sent a joint letter to the FCC, asking Wheeler to hold off. The FCC will likely vote on whether to move ahead with Wheeler’s proposal at its March 31 meeting. After a public comment period, the agency could formally approve the rules by year-end. The FCC in early 2015 reclassified broadband services as a public utility, using Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. AT&T, Comcast and industry trade groups are challenging the net neutrality rules in federal court. A court ruling is expected in April. The FCC’s new consumer privacy proposal seeks broadband authority under Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC chairperson typically steps down after a new president takes office, but Wheeler hinted at a Senate hearing in February that he might seek to stay on. Scalper1 News
Scalper1 News