Internet providers can have full control of your online data. They could use it for other purposes that might compromise your safety. Personal information can be shared or sold to other people. The risk is very disturbing for customers. Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules that will rightfully give back the power to the consumers.
FCC Adopts New Rules To Increase Transparency And Security
According to the press release of the FCC, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now required to protect the privacy of their customers. They can prevent the ISPs from sharing their personal data. The new rules will also ensure that ISPs will be transparent on the data being used or shared. That include browsing histories and location data.
According to The Washington Post, this is a landmark ruling that will stop ISPs from using personal data as a source of revenue. Apparently, the information that ISP can access is being exploited with targeted advertising.
The Effect Of The New Rules
The new rules can be a blow to companies AT&T, Verizon and Comcast. As for the Center for Digital Democracy Executive Director Jeffrey Chester, he said that it is a breakthrough for Internet privacy. Chester shared that this will make way for more regulations about online privacy. Apparently, this has become an issue for developed nations.
This may not be felt immediately by customers. However, this is definitely significant since it could avoid hard-wired surveillance of online activities, according to ACLU Senior Policy Analyst Jay Stanley.
Customers can track what ISPs are doing with their data. FCC prohibits ISPs to trade health data, financial information, Social Security numbers, emails and other digital messages. ISPs also need to notify their customer when their data is breached.
The Washington Post further reports that the new rules might face a legal challenge from affected companies.
