FCC Cracks Down An Data Collection And Sharing Practices

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a set of Internet consumer privacy regulations that would be applicable to providers of wireless and broadband internet services (such as Comcast, Verizon, etc.) (collectively, "ISPs"), akin to current regulations imposed on telephony services. If approved, the proposed regulations would represent some of the most stringent standards enacted by a regulatory agency in the technology sector. In sum, the proposed mandates would require that ISPs employ minimum data security standards and significantly limit what they are able to collect about their customers, as well as how that information is shared with third parties. Currently, ISPs can automatically collect all unencrypted information relating to any customer activity that takes place over its network, including with respect to devices connected to the network, such as surfing habits, app usage and location, to create a unique consumer