UPDATED 23:52 EDT / MARCH 26 2019

POLICY

FTC is investigating privacy policies at top internet service providers

The Federal Trade Commission Tuesday said it’s beginning an investigation into how some of the U.S.’s top internet service providers handle customer data.

In a press release published Tuesday, the FTC said that it will look into how such companies “collect, retain, use, and disclose information about consumers and their devices.” Those companies include AT&T Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, Mobile US Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc.

“The FTC is initiating this study to better understand Internet service providers’ privacy practices in light of the evolution of telecommunications companies into vertically integrated platforms that also provide advertising-supported content,” said the commission. “Under current law, the FTC has the ability to enforce against unfair and deceptive practices involving Internet service providers.”

ISPs will be asked to submit a great deal of information to the FTC during this inquiry. This information will relate to what information is collected on users and what is done with that information, and on top of that what, if any, third parties are provided with this data.

They will also need to submit information as to how information is aggregated, provide “data maps, inventories, or other charts, schematics, or graphic depictions” relating to data collection and explain what policies ensure customers know what’s happening to their data. The FTC will ask if customers even had a choice, if they were incentivized, and whether they have the choice to opt out or ask that their personal data is deleted.

In 2017, Congress reversed the Broadband Privacy Rule, which gave ISPs the green light to collect customer data and sell it to third parties. At the time, privacy advocates were not only concerned that ISPs have access to more internet user information than any other entities, but that such data collection might be used for mass government surveillance.

An ongoing issue is the fact that investigations have revealed that certain ISPs have been selling location data to third parties, even though most major carriers have said they have put an end to that. In 2018, Senator Ron Wyden called such practices “abusive and potentially unlawful.”

This new inquiry may just give American internet users some clarity on what exactly is happening to their personal data. It might not lead to crackdowns on certain behavior, but more transparency may mean more protection for consumers.

Image: dkpto/Flickr

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