Should I buy a tombstone saying: Internet privacy: 1994-2016 RIP? Should I buy it now or later? I ask this because Congress voted to repeal consumer privacy rights on the Internet. So, Internet privacy dies: Congress killed it.
The US House vote was 215-205 to. This vote helps overturn former President Obama’s FCC rules. Those rules say ISP’s (Internet service providers) require consumer’s permission before they use certain information. This includes finances, health, and info about their kids. But that protection is in danger now. But wait. It gets worse. Last week, the Senate voted 50-48 against you and me and in favor of Comcast, Verizon, and the big boys. And this is how Internet privacy dies.
The White House said ISP’s still need ‘opt-in’ permission. That’s when ISP’s give you the option of sharing your information. But here’s the problem with that. Websites don’t need to ‘opt-in’ with anybody. That’s because websites are less restricted, thanks to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). FCC Chariman?Ajit Pai praised the decision. But he assured we would stay have protection for our privacy. Then you have privacy rights groups like the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). One leader said ISP’s shouldn’t buy or sell our information without consumers’ approval. Of course, Comcast and other major ISP companies aren’t talking.
I like what?Michael Capuano said. He’s a Democrat Congressman from Massachusetts. You know, home to our Boston computer service shop. Online, he bought underwear. Why should the government, or anyone else, have to know about the underwear he bought? Some may say, “But what about the terrorists?” What about the cyber criminals?” I get their concern. But what about the welfare and privacy of the 99 1/2 percent who aren’t doing these things? What about our children? Why should you know where our kids go to school, or what activities they do after school? How come the government wants to know where I bought what and from who? How come ISP’s and other corporations want to know what I look at online?