Sonic Throws Support Behind California's New Privacy Bill In the wake of the GOP and Donald Trump's decision to kill consumer broadband privacy protections earlier this year, numerous states have rushed to fill the void with new laws that protect consumers from the ever-prying eyes of their ISPs. On June 19, California Assemblymember Ed Chau introduced AB 375 (pdf), which, like the FCC rules it's intended to replace, requires that large ISPs are very clear about what consumer data is being collected and sold to third parties.

opt in if ISPs want to share more personal data (like web browsing histories or financial information). It also requires that consumersif ISPs want to share more personal data (like web browsing histories or financial information). And it goes a little further than the FCC rules would have, in that it prohibits ISPs from punishing customers who chose to opt out -- or charging them more money if they want to protect their own privacy. Needless to say, large ISPs that just spent millions lobbying to kill federal rules aren't particularly pleased. They've been pushing their friend Ajit Pai at the FCC to explore ways of hamstringing state authority on this front. The EFF says AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and Charter are also busy lying about what the California law will do in order to scuttle momentum for the bill. But with a vote on the bill expected the next few weeks, California's biggest independent ISP is throwing its support behind the measure. In stark contrast to larger ISPs, Independent ISP Sonic has long has an excellent track record when it comes to consumer transparency and its privacy practices. “It’s more important than ever for people to stand up for their rights to privacy," Sonic CEO Dane Jasper says of the California measure. "And it’s the duty of independent internet service providers like ourselves to be a part of this movement. That’s why Sonic is backing this bill. Bottom line is private information should be private. The Internet does not belong to the government or large corporations." Large ISPs trying to scuttle the bill have often stated it's unfair for ISPs to face consumer privacy protections not faced by the likes of Google and Facebook. But that quite intentionally ignores the fact that consumers have a choice to not use these online services; but the lack of competition in the broadband sector means broadband customers have nowhere to flee to when their ISP misbehaves. “Opponents of AB 375 often compare ISPs to platforms like Google or Facebook, otherwise known as ‘edge providers,’ which provide a free service," Jasper states. "They argue that it isn't fair for ISPs to face stricter privacy laws than edge providers. But the fact is that using Facebook and Google, two free user services, and relying on your ISP for internet connection, a paid connection service, are simply not comparable. Imagine your phone carrier told you today they were analyzing all your telephone calls? That would make people extremely uncomfortable and likely discourage them from using a phone service altogether.” While large ISPs have tried to argue that such rules aren't necessary, those same ISPs have repeatedly proven they have little credibility on the subject, and no ability to self-regulate within the parameters of good taste. Both AT&T and Comcast have tinkered with charging consumers more money to protect their data, effectively making privacy a luxury option. Verizon, meanwhile, was caught covertly modifying user packets without telling anybody or providing working opt out tools. Cable operator Cable One was caught bragging about plans to offer worse customer service to consumers with lower credit ratings. None of these actions are theoretical; they've already happened. And without an additional layer of meaningful privacy protections, consumer advocates argue they will happen again. While ISPs and the current FCC have tried to argue that the FTC's limited authority over broadband will be enough of a "cop on the beat" to make up for the absence of FCC oversight, we've explained repeatedly how this None of these actions are theoretical; they've already happened. And without an additional layer of meaningful privacy protections, consumer advocates argue they will happen again. While ISPs and the current FCC have tried to argue that the FTC's limited authority over broadband will be enough of a "cop on the beat" to make up for the absence of FCC oversight, we've explained repeatedly how this simply isn't the case . Large ISPs like Comcast want the FTC as the only privacy watchdog -- because they know the agency's authority, funding and resources are too limited to effectively police their behavior.







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Most recommended from 16 comments

borka

join:2003-04-01

Ponte Vedra, FL 10 recommendations borka Member choice is the difference I have a choice not to use google, but no choice not to use my wired ISP if i dont agree with the privacy policy.

tshirt

Premium Member

join:2004-07-11

Snohomish, WA 6 recommendations tshirt Premium Member If california can pass it so can... Wa, Or, NY, MA.......If the FCC won't do it, then let's show the popular vote, in as many places as possible.

politician need to remember the choose to be selected to represent US, and they MUST do what is in our best interest

OPT-IN is the way to go, you want my info start the bidding, make it clear what the offer is and remember I'm not cheap.