DC Council takes up internet privacy regulations that Congress scrapped

In Congress, members made moves to roll back internet privacy regulations before they got a chance to take effect.

On the local level, the D.C. Council is considering a bill that would put the rules in place for the District.

The Broadband Internet Protection Act of 2017, which was introduced earlier this month, is a response to Congress’ move to nix Federal Communications Commission regulations that would’ve required internet service providers to get customers’ permission before selling their data. The regulations were passed during the Obama administration, but never went into place this year as planned.

“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,” Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, who introduced the bill, said in a statement. “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 local legislation also requires internet service providers to provide notification of a data breach.

Along with Todd, a total of nine other councilmembers also introduced the legislation or signed on as cosponsors. The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.

The bill is a sign of attention on the issue continuing at the local level. A series of states are considering measures, with California currently in the spotlight. Maryland legislators attempted to adopt similar regulations during this year’s session, but came up short. A post at our sister Technical.ly Philly has more on what you can do.