Microsoft Wants Limits on Extending MVPD Privacy Rules to 3rd-Party Set-Top Makers

Third-party set-top box makers should be bound only by the same privacy rules that govern multichannel video programming distributors for data that “is derived exclusively from the MVPD data stream,” said Microsoft officials in a call with aides to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Chief Technologist Scott Jordan Thursday, said an ex parte filing posted Tuesday in docket 16-42. “Overbroad application of the certification requirement would interfere with the collection and use of data to support other legitimate functions of multi-use devices, including operations to maintain the security of the device.” If third-party box makers are bound by the MVPD privacy rules' notice requirement, they should be allowed to provide that notice online, since unlike MVPDs, they don't send customers monthly bills, Microsoft said. A draft set-top box order is circulating but may not be OK'd by commissioners soon (see 1610180052).