Internet Privacy Protections Scrapped by Congress: Suggestions for Next Steps
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently repealed certain online privacy and net neutrality rules as part of a "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative aimed at removing obsolete rules and reducing regulatory burdens. This move has lessened federal protections that helped regulate how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) handle user data.
In response, the White House has announced strong support for the repeal. However, the repeal has raised concerns about consumer privacy. With reduced federal regulations, consumers can protect their privacy primarily through state-level laws, careful management of their online behaviors, and using privacy-enhancing tools.
One such tool is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By connecting to a VPN, consumers can hide their browsing history from their ISP. This is particularly important because, without new FCC rules, ISPs can now sell users' information directly to marketers without consumer consent. Connecting to a VPN handles all traffic, making the ISP see only that the user connected to a VPN server, not the sites visited afterwards.
Another key strategy is to utilise state consumer protection laws. Some states, like Pennsylvania, have enacted stronger privacy and consumer protection laws to fill gaps left by reduced federal regulation. Consumers in such states benefit from mandates for transparency in subscription cancellations and potential privacy safeguards. Other states may follow suit, creating a patchwork of protections.
Consumers should also actively review and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms, websites, and apps, and be cautious about sharing personal information online. Popular social media platforms and communication tools like Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Email are among those that collect user data.
As federal rules are less protective, public advocacy and awareness are crucial. Consumers can pressure ISPs and lawmakers to adopt privacy-friendly policies.
The repeal of the FCC's privacy rules will require the President's signature to become final. The repeal is, however, not without controversy. The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the FCC, alleging that the FCC has unlawfully hidden data concerning its system for gathering public input about its plan to kill net neutrality. The lawsuit suggests signs of Russian manipulation of the comment procedure regarding the FCC's plan to end net neutrality.
In the midst of these developments, the net neutrality law passed by California is currently on hold due to a deal between California attorney general Xavier Becerra and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to delay its implementation until a federal lawsuit over net neutrality is resolved.
In this evolving landscape, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their online privacy.
- In the wake of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to repeal online privacy rules, it is crucial for consumers to adopt technology like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to secure their data and maintain privacy, considering ISPs can now sell users' information directly to marketers without consent.
- As federal regulations on data-and-cloud-computing, cybersecurity, and net neutrality undergo significant changes, general news sources and political discussions have become more inherent than ever, as consumers advocate for privacy-friendly policies and demand transparency from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and lawmakers.
