Online privacy changes sent to Trump

Congress has passed legislation that would kill an online privacy regulation.

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump Source: Bloomberg

US Congress has sent President Donald Trump legislation that would kill an online privacy regulation, a move that could eventually allow internet providers such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to sell the browsing habits of their customers.

The Federal Communications Commission rule issued in October was designed to give consumers greater control over how internet service providers share information.

However, critics say the rule will stifle innovation and pick winners and losers among internet companies.

The House voted 215-205 to reject the rule. The Senate had already voted to the block it.

The vote is part of an extensive effort Republicans have undertaken to void an array of regulations issued during the final months of Democratic president Barack Obama's tenure.

Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Republicans put profits over the privacy concerns of Americans.

"Overwhelmingly, the American people do not agree with Republicans that this information should be sold, and it certainly should not be sold without your permission," she said.

"Our broadband providers know deeply personal information about us and our families."

Internet companies such as Google do not have to ask users' permission before tracking what sites they visit.

Republicans and industry groups have blasted that discrepancy, saying it is unfair and confusing for consumers.

But proponents of the privacy measure argue the company that sells you your internet connection can see even more about consumers, such as every website they visit and with whom they exchange emails.

That information would be particularly useful for advertisers and marketers.


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2 min read
Published 29 March 2017 7:30pm
Source: AAP


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