FCC Derails ISP Customer Data Gravy Train, Requires Explicit Consent for Sharing Sensitive Information
What does the new law entail? First, ISPs will need to let consumers know what information is being gathered and how it uses the data. Second, users will need to “opt-in” in order to let ISP’s share their information. The internet provider cannot “cut-off” the customer if they refuse to share their information. Health data, financial information, Social Security numbers, and the content of emails and other digital messages are included in the law. This law is a big step for the FCC toward greater user privacy, however, it is not comprehensive. The new rule does not eliminate “pay-for-privacy” deals or monitor of the internet provider itself uses the data. A company like Verizon or AT&T could use a customer’s information to market their own products.