Washington, D.C. — Today’s vote by the Federal Communication Commission is real progress on privacy. The Commission recognizes that when broadband internet users go online, the personal information that can be gleaned from their activities belongs to them, not to their internet service providers. For the first time, ISPs will be required to get their customers’ consent before using that information for purposes other than to connect them to the internet. The new rules will also require ISPs to be clear about what data they collect, how they use it, and with whom they share it, to keep the data reasonably secure, and to notify customers if it is compromised. We look forward to working with the FCC on the model privacy notice that will be developed, and we will continue to fight for individuals to have meaningful control of their personal information across the entire online ecosystem.

Contact: Susan Grant, 202-939-1003

The Consumer Federation of America is a national organization of more than 250 nonprofit consumer groups that was founded in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education.