U.S. F.C.C. Tightens Privacy Rules Over User Data Collection by Broadband Providers

[engine]

The F.C.C. has approved a new set of rules for broadband providers over user privacy.

The new rules will mean the providers will need to get the users' permission to collect web browsing, app use, location and financial information.

This is interesting, and probably brings the broadband providers in line with other businesses that track and profile users.

Currently, broadband providers can track users unless those individuals tell them to stop.

The F.C.C. said the rules, approved in a three-to-two vote along party lines, were necessary to protect internet users who want more control over how companies treat their private information. U.S. F.C.C. Tightens Privacy Rules Over User Data Collection by Broadband Providers [nytimes.com]

[not2easy]

Currently, broadband providers can track users unless those individuals tell them to stop.

May sound reasonable except that the great majority of their customers are not aware of the data collection or that they have a way to prevent it, much less how to do that. :(

[keyplyr]

...majority of their customers are not aware of the data collection or that they have a way to prevent it, much less how to do that

The explanation should be included in the periodic privacy update that users need to agree to. I get at least one per year, always explaining what data is collected and how to opt-in or out.

[keyplyr]

One concen may be that many of the broadband providers are also content providers where data collection is part of their business model.