Internet provider trade groups ask for more time for privacy comments

Trade groups representing Internet service providers are asking the Federal Communications Commission to give the public more time to comment on proposed rules governing the way providers handle customer data. The groups — including wireless association CTIA, the Consumer Technology Association and cable group National Cable and Telecommunications Association — said that the issues raised in the proposal are complex enough, and would have a big enough effect on their industry, that more time is needed for them to weigh in.

The Notice [of Proposed Rule-making] proposes to establish sweeping and unprecedented privacy, data security, and data breach rules for broadband Internet access service providers that raise difficult and complex legal, technical, and policy issues with broader implications for the complicated Internet ecosystem and online advertising marketplace,” they said. They also argued it could be hard for smaller providers to weigh in simultaneously on the privacy issue and other proposals before the commission. The American Cable Association, which represents smaller providers, signed on to the filing.