FCC to tackle broadband privacy in 'next several months'

The Federal Communications Commission will take on the issue of online privacy in the “next several months,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said. He said the agency’s action would address the privacy practices of Internet service providers and how they are protecting the information of their customers. “In other words, do I know what information is being collected?” he said. “Do I have a voice in whether or not that is going to be used one way or another? And those are two very important baseline rights that individuals ought to have.” At another point he said, “I’ve told the Congress and others you will see us in the next several months addressing the question of privacy.” Chairman Wheeler has previously said a notice of proposed rulemaking on the issue would come this fall. The FCC did not respond to a question about a more specific timeline.