Internet providers can now collect and sell your data

Photo

On Monday, April 3, President Donald Trump signed a congressional resolution repealing rules that would require Internet service providers to obtain permission from a customer to collect, use and sell information about online habits.

Decrees were passed 5 months ago by a Democrat-led Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The cancellation was approved by Republicans and broadband access providers who complained about injustice compared to web providers, such as Google. Democrats and consumer groups warned about the privacy of consumers, who would be at greater risk without rules.

AT&T, Comcast and Verizon stated that they will not sell data to third parties.

Here's what you need to know about the rules and privacy of broadband:

Are there any other rules governing privacy in broadband?

Yes. FCC retains the authority to take action if the ISP uses unfair or unreasonable business practices. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can also take action when companies act unfairly.

But there are questions about credentials. FTCbecause a recent federal court ruling found that the agency does not have jurisdiction over broadband access companies (in this case, a wireless provider AT&T) because 2015's net neutrality rules of the year gave such authority FCC.

Internet service providers, including mobile broadband providers, do have their own voluntary privacy policies. “Companies have a financial incentive to handle your personal information correctly because doing otherwise could significantly worsen their financial situation,” said Representative Marsha Blackburn, who sponsored the House resolution.

Why FCC wanted to change the rules first?

Chairman FCC Tom Wheeler, the Democrat who preceded the current chairman of the Republican Party, sought to strengthen consumer privacy protection with new rules, giving them more information about how their personal data would be used. The rules also required data security providers to protect consumer data. Without rules, the potential use of data could undermine cybersecurity, says Zohar Belkura, the company's founder and CEO Privacys. This is because browsing data must be decrypted and re-encrypted as you surf, and this "leads to weaker security that will make people more vulnerable to hacking incidents," he said.

Do companies use my personal information now?

Yes. Google and Facebook combine demographic and other profile data to offer advertisers the desired audience. “The distinguishing factor here is that consumers prefer to use services Google and Facebook and implicitly agree to trade privacy for their own convenience,” Belcura said. Because customers pay ISPs directly, they expect “privacy to be respected,” he said.

What will happen next?

FCC It is forbidden to propose new similar privacy rules on their own, in accordance with the Congressional Revision Law However, Senator Ed Marky also promised to introduce a law requiring FCC The development of “tough broadband rules” that will allow FCC come to terms with this question.

Congress could also pass a law that more clearly defines the roles FCC и FTC. Chairman Pie promised to cooperate with FTC in developing a “consistent and comprehensive” privacy system.

With so many companies not only providing broadband but also selling online advertising, the issue will remain unclear. “Ultimately, Congress will need to address this issue because gaps are likely to remain,” said Fred Campbell, director of the think tank TechKnowledge.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Which states have the fastest internet

Mobile operators make life difficult for owners of unlimited plans

Police warned of a new form of telephone fraud in the US

5 ways to call any phone in the world for free

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.