TPA Releases Statement on FCC Broadband Privacy Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) reacted to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler’s newest attempt at agency overreach as new regulations on broadband privacy rules for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) passed by a vote of 3-2. On Thursday, the FCC approved new authority for the Chairman and the agency as it relates to the personal information of consumers using the Internet. 

Privacy is an important concern for Americans, especially as technology continues to advance for consumers. Chairman Wheeler contends that the FCC should have a larger role in how privacy issues are handled when it comes to what information consumers are giving to ISPs, despite the fact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has traditionally had jurisdiction over online privacy, and they have challenged the idea that web browsing and app usage should be subject to the kinds of regulations that Chairman Wheeler is proposing.  In reality, this is just another shameless attempt to give the agency more control over the Internet that should be open. Also, this latest vote is just another example of how intrusive the FCC has become under the leadership of Chairman Wheeler.

TPA President David Williams blasted the Chairman and the Commissioners who helped him pass this latest regulatory attack on the Internet saying, “It is outrageous that a federal agency like the FCC, which is meant to preserve and promote a free and open Internet, has done everything in its authority to do the exact opposite. Chairman Wheeler’s only concern has been to grow the power of the FCC and take as much control of the Internet as possible, all while overstepping his authority with each vote that takes place.” Williams continued, “Fellow Commissioners at the FCC, proponents of consumer protection and an open Internet, and privacy advocates have all questioned the wisdom and authority of this move by the Chairman. His only response is rank partisanship and deaf ears.”

Williams concluded by noting that, “The Internet has never been under more threat than it is under Chairman Wheeler’s FCC and now as the Internet continues to come under attack, so do the privacy rights of consumers utilizing it every single day.”