Trump Signs to Kill Broadband Privacy Rules

Trump signed a bill April 3 to repeal the internet privacy rules implemented by the Obama administration. These rules gave consumers control over their data as communication companies would have to ask for permission in order to sell it or use it towards targeted ads. The data includes browsing history, geolocation, financial, and medical information.

The director of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, had announced his efforts to revoke the rule when he was appointed director by Trump. Ever since, consumers have constantly stated that they are against this change. Before, during, and after the change is made, popular opinion remains the same. This is unwanted and the consequences of this helps broadband companies and hurt consumers.

“There is literally no public support for this bill. Its only advocates are the nation’s biggest phone, cable, and internet companies. There’s no longer any question, if there ever was, whose needs this administration intends to serve. But people everywhere are on high alert to the serious threat to the free and open internet. And they will fight back,” says Craig Aron, CEO of the advocacy group Free Press.

Companies like AT&T have monopolies over telecommunication and want to extend that reach to the internet in terms of what they provide for consumers. They cannot opt for a different internet provider if AT&T owns everything.

This outrage has pushed AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon on the defensive. They have stated that the outcry is meaningless because these companies will continue to serve consumer privacy. However, they now have no reason to inform consumers of their actions so what proof would consumers have to feel safe.

In an article by TechDirt, these companies have been paying lobbying groups to push for this change. Groups like the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Asian Pacific American Advocates. They argued that data collection would help low income families. TechDirt also states that “When a reporter asks these groups why they’re supporting internet policies that run in stark contrast to their constituents, you’ll usually be met with either breathless indignance at the idea that these groups are being used as marionettes, or no comment whatsoever.”

The House, Senate, and the president are all working against consumers even though they claim to be the opposite. Their actions speak louder than any claim they have made in the last couple of months. Consumer outcry can only do so much if representatives won’t listen.