Boston-
In the wake of recent federal legislative changes allowing internet service
providers to use or sell browsing history and other information collected from
their customers, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and the
Senate Republican Caucus are filing legislation to prevent that from happening
without the customer’s consent. The bill is titled, “An Act Ensuring Internet
Security and Privacy”.
On
April 3, 2017, federal legislation known as “S.J. Res. 34-A joint resolution
providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United
States Code, of the rules submitted by the Federal Communications Commission
relating to “Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other
Telecommunications Services,” became law, and as a result, regulations that had
been developed by the Federal Communications Commission during the Obama
Administration were prevented from going into effect. Those regulations would
have prevented internet service providers such as AT&T and Comcast from
collecting and selling customer information without permission. Consequently,
such practices are permissible and unregulated.
“The
federal government has created a situation that threatens consumer privacy, and
it needs to be addressed,” said Tarr. He added that, “a customer of any of
these providers should have control of their personal information, and
shouldn’t have to pay for that control.”
“Consumer
privacy is an issue that is on the minds of many of my constituents, and it is
my hope that this legislation will address their serious concerns,” said
Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).
“As
the reliance on web-based technology continues to extend into our day-to-day
lives, preserving consumer privacy is vital,” said Senator Don Humason
(R–Westfield). “This bill would provide Massachusetts residents with a
protection against the sale of their personal information.”
“This
bill is an important step in re-claiming the privacy rights of our
constituents,” said Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “I look forward to
working with my colleagues in the Legislature to safeguard our constituents and
their privacy.”
“It
is important we protect consumer’s privacy, and to ensure their information is
not being sold to the highest bidder without their knowledge,” said Senator
Ryan Fattman (R-Webster).
“This
recent act of congress infringes on our basic rights to privacy, and in an age
of increasing dependency on internet trade, consumers’ rights must be
protected,” said Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This bill will act as
a safeguard for Massachusetts residents and their personal information.”
The
new bill, if enacted into law, would specifically prohibit the collection and
dissemination of a consumer’s personal information without the written consent
of the consumer. It would also prohibit any charge from being imposed on a
consumer that did not provide such consent.
The
bill has been filed and being offered for co-sponsorship to all members of the
House and Senate.
A copy of the text of the bill can be found here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2053
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