On, Tuesday, members of the House of Representatives voted to repeal privacy bill that was proposed to protect internet users’ privacy. The 215-to-205 win for the Republican-majority House scraps a bill that was set to take effect at the end of this year.
The bill, which was written up in October 2016, require Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to consult with their customers before collecting and sharing any of the users’ data. Such data includes the location of the web user, his or her browsing history, and the app usage statistics of the user.
Mixed Reactions
Each party held firm views as for why the bill should or should not be repealed.
Speaking to the House, Republican Representative Michael Burgess declared that the present regulations on privacy were double-standard rules. He cited the example that ISPs were required to get user’s permission to collect and share data while platforms such as Facebook and Google could collect users’ data at without the restraints ISPs suffered. This distinction would mean that companies like Facebook would have an advantage over ISPs when it came to selling consumer data to marketers and advertisers. “Getting rid of the bill,” Burgess concluded,” would mean that there would be a level playing field among all telecommunication companies.”
While the Republicans argued for competition, the Democrats protested the invasion of privacy. Anna Eshoo, a Democrat, said that the repeal ‘wipes out privacy on the internet.’ Another oppose of the repeal Michael Capuano, commented that ‘no one should have the right to know what another shop for, or even does on the internet.’
Consumers also had their own views on the subject. Activist Eva Greer stated that she was outraged that the House had decided to ‘take away her privacy.’ “It just goes to show that Congress is more interested in supporting corporations that will fund their elections,” Greer added. While their views may not be as vehement as Greer’s, it seems that ordinary Americans share some of her opinions. Already there has been an increase in the demand for Virtual Private Networks in the country, a tool that an online user can utilize to protect his or her online activities.
One of the commissioners of the Federal Communication Commission, the body that would have enforced the proposed bill before it was repealed, said, “The information that ISPs have is sensitive and should be treated with care, but consumers should have a say in the matter.”
The Repeal of the Bill has tremendous sway over the future
For consumers, the repeal of the bill may mark the end of their privacy if they had had it before. Broadband providers could sell their information with little enforceable legal repercussions.
ISPs such as Verizon and AT&T would benefit because they could now sell user data to marketers and financial firms thus a notable elevation in revenue is expected. Additionally, these companies will now rival Facebook and Google in that market.
The repeal prevents the FCC from issuing similar rules to bar ISPs from sharing consumer data. It also opens up the FCC to break the net neutrality terms meaning that ISPs could end up blocking and slowing down your internet connections. You may even be charged more to download apps and websites.
