CEI Comments to FCC on Broadband Privacy Order
CEI filed comments today with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the broadband privacy order originally issued in November 2016. The fundamental problem with the FCC’s unlawful opt-in consent mandate regarding the contents of user communications is that it will likely deter subscribers from consenting to uses of their information by their provider that are not only harmless, but also likely to benefit them. When providers use information they glean from their subscribers’ transmissions, they can deliver better marketing materials such as advertisements. This, in turn, generates a revenue stream for providers that can help offset subscribers’ monthly bills. The FCC’s onerous requirements governing opt-in make it sound alarming to consumers to change from the default of no consent to the alternative of consenting to the interception and use of the contents of their communications.