On November 2, the FCC released its Report and Order
adopting new privacy rules for telecommunications
carriers after a 3-2 vote.
After the reclassification of broadband internet access service
as a telecommunications service in the FCC's 2015 Open Internet
Order, the FCC is utilizing its regulatory authority to ensure that
all telecommunications carriers, including broadband ISPs, are
protecting their customers' private information. However, the
rules were released just before the election this year, and the FCC
transition team leaders appointed by the President-elect have been
vocal opponents of net neutrality and the FCC's extended
regulatory authority. While this leaves some uncertainty as to the
future of the new privacy rules, telecommunications carriers should
still be prepared to comply.
