Vice: Here’s the Data Republicans Just Allowed ISPs to Sell Without Your Consent

Here’s the Data Republicans Just Allowed ISPs to Sell Without Your Consent

"Financial and medical information. Social Security numbers. Web browsing history. Mobile app usage. Even the content of your emails and online chats. These are among the types of private consumer information that House Republicans voted on Tuesday to allow your internet service provider (ISP) to sell to the highest bidder without your permission, prompting outrage from privacy watchdogs.

The House action, which was rammed through by a vote of 215 - 205 on a largely partisan basis by the GOP majority, represents another nail in the coffin of landmark Federal Communications Commission consumer privacy rules that were passed in 2016. The rules, which were set to go into effect later this year, would have required broadband providers to obtain "opt-in" consent before using, sharing, or selling private consumer data..."

"Last year, the FCC detailed the data covered by its privacy policy. Thanks to Capitol Hill Republicans, ISPs will no longer be required to obtain "opt-in" consent before using, sharing, or selling this data..."

I think this is a stark example of business interests far outweighing public interest, under the banner of "deregulation" in this case.  I don't think that most consumers are aware of not only the wide range of data, but also the various players involved in collecting, selling and using our online information, content and activity.  It will be interesting to see how this data will be used in the new era of personalized ads, news, and shopping (while hacking also becomes commonplace!)...