The US's Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the consumer data handling of internet service providers (ISPs). Companies such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have been asked to provide non-public information on their private practices in a significant push towards regulating customer data collection and data sharing. In its latest report, released today, the FTC said that it is investigating whether AT&T violated federal law by collecting personal information about customers without consent. The investigation will focus on the types of data being collected, who it is shared with and whether it contains identifiable information.
The US's Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the consumer data handling of internet service providers (ISPs). Companies such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have been asked to provide non-public information on their private practices in a significant push towards regulating customer data collection and data sharing. Due to the advent of some ISP platforms providing ad-supported content, the FTC has decided further oversight is needed to protect against unfair or deceptive practices. The investigation will focus on the types of data being collected, who it is shared with and whether it contains identifiable information.