Sen Flake offers measure to undo FCC internet privacy rules

Sen Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced a measure that would reverse the Federal Communications Commission’s privacy rules for internet service providers. The resolution would kill the FCC’s ‘Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services’ regulation through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to reject certain recently passed regulations by majority vote.

The FCC rules limit broadband providers from accessing and collecting personal customer information, including web browsing data and app usage history. The regulation, approved by the agency in October, was opposed by internet service providers who said it prevented them from using their customers' data for profit as most internet companies do. Sen Flake's resolution has 21 Republican co-sponsors, including Sens John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV).