DC Councilmember Floats ISP Privacy Bill Rebuking Trump

ISP privacy legislation countering President Donald Trump’s repeal of FCC broadband privacy rules was introduced Tuesday in the District of Columbia City Council. The bill by Councilmember Brandon Todd (D) would require carriers to get opt-in consent from customers about use and sharing of sensitive personal data and opt-out consent for nonsensitive private information, Todd’s office said in a Wednesday news release. The bill would prohibit carriers from making broadband service contingent on customers giving up privacy rights. It would require ISPs to clearly explain to customers in privacy notices what information is collected and how it will be used and shared. In a data breach, the bill would require carriers to notify the Public Service Commission and D.C. attorney general. “In light of the Federal Government’s lack of leadership on internet privacy -- an issue at the heart of life in a digitally-connected era -- it is time for bold action at the local level to protect the privacy rights of broadband consumers,” said Todd. “While internet carriers provide a critical service to District residents, basic rules of the road are required to ensure that consumers have more control over their personal information.” The District joins about 20 other jurisdictions seeking to revive ISP privacy rules killed by federal legislators (see 1707060052 and 1706190058).