The Federal Communications Commission recently reported that it is informing Internet service providers of its proposed directive regarding the regulation of data being sent by ISPs to third party companies like marketers. This is part of the FCC's effort to safeguard customer information and to make sure that their privacy is not being violated by their respective ISPs.

Like Us on Facebook

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler stated in the proposal that broadband services providers should properly disclose how they collect data based on users' online browsing activities. This is to make sure that these companies adhere to the security protocols imposed by the agency to safeguard user data.

Chairman Wheeler circulated his proposal among the four other FCC commissioners on March 10. The commissioners have been given until March 31 to study the proposal before voting - to open it for public comment. The rules stated on the proposal are expected to be discussed and voted later this year after the comment period is over, according to CNet.

Internet security experts believe that should the FCC approve this new regulation, it will stand as the strongest set of privacy rules that has ever been imposed for Internet service providers. The proposed broadband rules are also in line with cable TV and telephone services rules, which the FCC already regulates.

Should the FCC implement the proposal, broadband service providers will be required by law to properly disclose how they collect consumer data, how they share these data with third party companies, and how these data are being used by third party firms.

The proposal also requires ISPs to allow consumers to choose whether they want to participate in the program rather than just automatically enrolling them. The FCC is also calling for Internet service providers to strengthen their security protocols and practices in order to protect sensitive consumer data.

In a statement published by the Huffington Post, Chairman Wheeler said, "Every broadband consumer should have the right to choose how their information bits should be used and shared."

TagsFCC, Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Federal Communications Commission, FCC news, ISP, internet service provider, ISP regulation, data regulation