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09/22/2016
FCC Chief Plans To Finalize Broadband Privacy Rules This Year
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler told lawmakers today that he anticipates finalizing broadband privacy rules later this year.
Testifying at a Senate hearing, Wheeler also hinted that the final regulations could differ from a proposal he put forward earlier this year. That initial proposal would require Internet service providers to obtain consumers' consent before drawing on their Web-surfing data for behavioral targeting. Ad networks, online publishers and other online advertising companies, by contrast, typically operate on an opt-out basis.
While Wheeler didn't elaborate on how the rules may evolve, he said in his prepared testimony that the Federal Trade Commission's input "has been particularly helpful."
Staff at the FTC recommended earlier this year that Internet service providers should obtain opt-in consent before using "sensitive" data for ad targeting, and allow consumers to opt out of the use of "non-sensitive" information.
