Democratic Sens press internet service providers over privacy policies

A group of Democratic Sens is asking top telecommunication companies to provide details of their privacy policies in the wake of Republicans’ repeal of broadband privacy rules. The Senators, led by Sen Ed Markey (D-MA), sent letters containing a list of questions about privacy to AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and CenturyLink.

In their list of questions, the senators grill the companies on what their policies are regarding the use of sensitive information for advertising. “Do you obtain affirmative opt-in consent to use, share, or sell any of the following information: web browsing history, app usage history, the content of communications, children’s information, health information, financial information, geo-location, and Social Security numbers?” reads one. The letter was also signed by Sens Al Franken (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).