George Jenkins writes:
Some big Internet service providers (ISPs) want consumers to pay for privacy. Earlier this month, both Comcast and the CTIA-The Wireless Association (formerly known as the Cellular Communications Industry Association) submitted comments about the broadband privacy rules proposed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April.
Portions of August 18, 2016 comments submitted by the CTIA to the FCC:
“Finally, we briefly noted that allowing consumers a variety of options regarding whether to receive a discount on broadband service in exchange for personalized advertising should be preserved. Hybrid payment models have been in commerce for centuries, including advertising supported magazines, grocery store loyalty programs, and app-based discount programs for retail establishments. Many internet companies rely on use of consumer data as their sole source of income, like search engines and social networks. Such offerings can lead to significant cost savings for all consumers, enable more valuable services for consumers, and mirror much of the economic activity that consumers expect. On this point, we provided a copy of a recent report by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, titled “Why Broadband Discounts for Data are Pro-Consumer,” which is attached to this filing.”
Let’s unpack this. It says that ISPs should be able to charge their customers for privacy, since many ISPs rely upon using (and reselling) their customers’ information to make money.
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