OTI Joins Coalition Calling for Greater Protection of Online Privacy for Broadband Consumers

WASHINGTON, DC — Today the Open Technology Institute at New America (OTI) joined 59 organizations in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calling for a rulemaking proceeding to protect the online privacy of broadband consumers. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have a special role in a consumer’s Internet experience by potentially handling every byte of data sent from a home internet network, and the FCC has an important statutory framework to protect consumers from misuse of that data. Today’s letter urges the FCC to create clear privacy rules for ISPs, with the ultimate goal of allowing consumers to better understand and gain control of how their data is used and shared. The letter asks for action regarding the collection and sharing of consumer data without affirmative consent, as well as requirements for clear disclosure about data collection practices.

The following quote can be attributed to Sarah J. Morris, Senior Policy Counsel at the Open Technology Institute:

Internet providers have a unique role in handling the personal communications and data of consumers sent over their networks. With the reclassification of broadband as a Title II service, the FCC has the tools in its toolbox to protect online privacy for broadband users. As with voice communications, protecting privacy online is vital to realizing the long-term benefits of equitable, ubiquitous broadband adoption. We are proud to join with so many other organizations to urge the FCC to ensure that privacy protections for broadband are effective and transparent.