Before the public could even figure out what was happening, the Republican-led U.S. House and Senate acted with uncharacteristic speed to repeal Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules that would have protected consumers' personal information from the all-seeing eyes of their internet service providers, or ISPs.
While health care, the budget, climate change, the deficit and countless other issues linger, Republicans moved in quick lock-step to ensure that provider giants Comcast, Verizon, AT&T and others can collect your most personal information without permission and then profit from its sale to third parties if they choose.
Think about how much information is left behind in online searches. Whether you're checking on cancer treatments, making a purchase, looking for a home mortgage or a car or perhaps indulging in some online porn-watching, as a majority of Americans do, it all goes through your ISP. With access to individual browsing histories, app usage, financial information, geolocation and other bits and pieces, your broadband provider probably knows more about you than your closest relative. Ever typed your Social Security number online? Your ISP could collect it and, according to congressional experts, sell it.
Consumers can switch search engines if they have concerns about how their information is handled and refrain from certain websites for similar reasons. But it's harder when it comes to broadband providers. Rural customers often don't have much choice, and even where choice exists, providers typically commit customers to extended contracts.
Regrettably, every Republican in the Minnesota delegation — Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and newcomer Jason Lewis — voted to repeal these basic, common-sense consumer protections. Fortunately, Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature were more mindful of their constituents. They joined with Democrats this week to prohibit ISPs in Minnesota from collecting and selling personal information without permission. That's not a perfect solution. Sen. Ron Latz, D-St. Louis Park, who carried the bill in the Senate, said the legislation "won't circumvent the federal government, but it will give Minnesotans a legal recourse to protect their privacy."
One could argue that because the FCC rules were repealed before they could take effect, consumers are no worse off than before. But Sen. Al Franken, who has made a cause of privacy, said the repeal is so resounding that it could spur broadband providers to more aggressive efforts they might have been hesitant to take earlier. The industry has lobbied hard and donated heavily to free itself of such restrictions.
"This is purely and simply a corporate handout at the expense of individual privacy," Franken said. "This really opens up for anything they want to do with your information. No limits."
President Trump had indicated that he supports the repeal — which goes a step further by also prohibiting the FCC from issuing similar rules in the future. Trump should pause a moment, observe the powerful backlash that has been building among ordinary citizens since the House and Senate votes, and think twice before signing legislation that allows corporations to sell private information without permission.
Even in an age in which information is shared as never before, consumers should demand a fundamental right to privacy. We hope ISPs operating in Minnesota will commit to protecting privacy and voluntarily seek customer permission before collecting and selling personal data. Consumers can do their part by contacting their broadband providers, demanding to know the ISP's privacy policy (in writing) and making their expectations known.
