Center for Digital Democracy: FCC Must Protect Box Data, Whoever Has It

The Center for Digital Democracy says it is all for the Federal Communications Commission unlocking the set-top box to promote competition, but wants to make sure it protects children and their personal information on whichever box is offered, by multichannel video programming distributors or the third parties that would get access to set-top data.

In comments on the FCC set-top proposal, CDD said that navigation devices "regardless of whether they are provided by incumbents or third parties, require robust, new consumer safeguards." For example, said the group, a leading voice for government protection of children's online data and protection from online marketing, "children require specific safeguards to ensure they do not become victims of unfair and deceptive practices, including from the delivery of data-driven advertising via navigational equipment." CDD also said the FCC should protect the privacy of navigational information in its separate broadband CPNI rulemaking. The FCC is proposing requiring broadband subs to have to opt in to use of their information for third-party targeted marketing.