FCC Adopts New Rules to Protect Consumer Data From Internet Service Providers
In a 3: 2 vote, the FCC just passed new rules targeting Internet service providers who collect user data. Going forward, Internet service providers who collect data must obtain explicit permission from users before selling this data to third parties.
The new rules govern the collection of data by Internet service providers such as browsing history, app usage, and location data. While vendors can use the data for their own targeting – for example, to suggest offers for shows or products that you might like from their own portfolio – they cannot sell that data to third parties without the user’s permission.
These new rules only apply to Internet service providers such as Comcast or AT&T, and not to the service you use on the Internet, such as Google or Facebook. Two voices against the ruling said it was unfair to impose this restriction on ISPs and not other Internet companies. However, ISPs are uniquely positioned in the data collection pipeline. In simple terms, you can opt out of using Google, but many people cannot decide to change their ISP.
FCC Just Enacted Sweeping New Rules to Protect Your Online Privacy | Washington Post