Code injection: A new low for ISPs

[Commentary] Comcast and other Internet service providers “experimenting” with data caps inject JavaScript code into their customers’ data streams in order to display overlays on Web pages that inform them of data cap thresholds. They’ll even display notices that your cable modem may be eligible for replacement. And you can't opt out. Think about it for a second: Your cable provider is monitoring your traffic and injecting its own code wherever it likes. This is not only obtrusive, but can cause significant problems with normal Web application function. It’s abhorrent on its face, but that hasn’t stopped companies from developing and deploying code to do it. 

The second example is essentially how Google makes its money. You search for something (say, “Red Sox”) and you’ll see search results accompanied by ads for Red Sox tickets and merchandise. Web trackers do the same, which is why, if you searched for widgets on Amazon, you’ll see ads for widgets on completely unrelated websites. Of course, the difference in these examples is that you were purposefully seeking out these items, not merely discussing them with another person. This is an important distinction. (Remember: Gmail notes what you’re talking about in your email and produces ads based on that content; then again, you’re using the Gmail service for free.)

Either example is bad enough, but if we combine the two, we have a monster.  This, folks, is part of why we need strong Net neutrality regulations. It’s not only about preventing ISPs from becoming Internet gatekeepers and extortionists; it’s also about eliminating practices like these that are violations not simply of privacy, but of human decency.