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Oct 28, 2016

FCC rules on sharing consumer information could ding broadband provider profits

It might seem like a big victory for privacy advocates, but the new rules won't stop companies like Comcast and AT&T from collecting data

by Gigi Douban
The seal of the Federal Communications Commission hangs behind commissioner Tom Wheeler's chair inside the hearing room at the FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The seal of the Federal Communications Commission hangs behind commissioner Tom Wheeler's chair inside the hearing room at the FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The FCC has decided that internet service providers must ask permission to use consumers’ sensitive data to sell them stuff. That’s good news, and it could lead to ISPs offering incentives to consumers. On the other hand, they might just make people pay more for the privilege of keeping  their privacy.

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