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FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

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Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#21

Post by wheelerwj »

ars wrote: post #8

This is completely pointless. They'll just add some form you have to sign before giving you service and that's about it. After all, do you read and act on the privacy notifications other providers give you? Does this at least require them to provider service irregardless of your consent to share data? If not, this is a pointless law that just makes it look like they did something.

Or worse, they will structure it like AT&T's project Hemisphere and find a way to provide the same insights without sharing the data specifically. And they will do it without any forms or notifications at all.

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#22

Post by alexbanks »

ars wrote: post #8

This is completely pointless. They'll just add some form you have to sign before giving you service and that's about it. After all, do you read and act on the privacy notifications other providers give you? Does this at least require them to provider service irregardless of your consent to share data? If not, this is a pointless law that just makes it look like they did something.

That was my thought. There'll just be a clause in the TOS that says "By accepting you give us the right to share your data" and that'll be that.

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#23

Post by christianmunoz »

ars wrote: post #8

This is completely pointless. They'll just add some form you have to sign before giving you service and that's about it. After all, do you read and act on the privacy notifications other providers give you? Does this at least require them to provider service irregardless of your consent to share data? If not, this is a pointless law that just makes it look like they did something.

Copied this from another comment of mine on this post, but it answers part of your question. From the FCC fact sheet[0] on the decision:

> The Order prohibits “take-it-or-leave-it” offers, meaning that an ISP can’t refuse to serve customers who don’t consent to the use and sharing of their information for commercial purposes.

So at least they can't cut you off entirely if you don't consent/opt-in. The fact sheet also touches on the "pay for privacy" issue:

> Recognizing that so-called “pay for privacy” offerings raise unique considerations, the rules require heightened disclosure for plans that provide discounts or other incentives in exchange for a customer’s express affirmative consent to the use and sharing of their personal information. The Commission will determine on a case-by-case basis the legitimacy of programs that relate service price to privacy protections. Consumers should not be forced to choose between paying inflated prices and maintaining their privacy.

Not an outright ban on discounting service for opt'ing-in, but looks like they're leaning towards not allowing something like that.

[0] http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2016...

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#25

Post by r00fus »

christianmunoz wrote: post #17
tedajax wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does this also preclude ISPs from not allowing you access to higher tiers of service without consenting to data collection? That is that in addition to requiring an opt-in they can't incentivize it at all by giving users who don't opt-in a degraded experience.

I was able to find an answer to at least part of this question in the FCC fact sheet[0] on the decision. > The Order prohibits “take-it-or-leave-it” offers, meaning that an ISP can’t refuse to serve customers who don’t consent to the use and sharing of their information for commercial purposes. So at least they can't cut you off entirely if you don't consent/opt-in. [0] http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_…

Interesting - so looks like UVerse's policies may still be permitted (ie, you pay more for privacy).

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#26

Post by metaphorm »

devindotcom wrote: post #19
ars wrote: post #8

This is completely pointless. They'll just add some form you have to sign before giving you service and that's about it. After all, do you read and act on the privacy notifications other providers give you? Does this at least require them to provider service irregardless of your consent to share data? If not, this is a pointless law that just makes it look like they did something.

You have to opt in and there can't be a penalty for opting out, the fact sheet says. That said, there may be a bonus for opting in — perks or whatnot. That will have to be settled separately, probably.

it's really hard for me to understand what the meaningful difference would be between penalty for opting out vs. bonus for opting in. don't those amount to the same thing, in practice?

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#27

Post by supergeek133 »

In theory they were supposed to have my permission before sharing with the government too... right? Not sure what this stops.

Think of it like when you authorize facebook or someone else to share data via OAuth, how many people read that list?

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#29

Post by SEJeff »

afarrell wrote: post #28

I wish the UK had this. Mobile phone/data providers send a header with HTTP requests to provide the site with your phone number which they can then use to charge you without permission.

Wow seriously? That is semi-terrifying.

Re: FCC Vote Means Internet Providers Need Permission to Share Your Data

#30

Post by snoman »

metaphorm wrote: post #26
devindotcom wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You have to opt in and there can't be a penalty for opting out, the fact sheet says. That said, there may be a bonus for opting in — perks or whatnot. That will have to be settled separately, probably.

it's really hard for me to understand what the meaningful difference would be between penalty for opting out vs. bonus for opting in. don't those amount to the same thing, in practice?

No, because the status quo is to not share your information.
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