Letter to the Hon. Ed Chau, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection - Congresswoman Waters Supports Efforts to Protect and Preserve Internet Privacy for all Californians
Letter
Dear Assemblymember Chau:
In April of this year, President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans repealed the privacy rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Obama's administration. These rules would have given broadband internet customers greater control over their personal information by requiring that internet service providers (ISPs) obtain consumers' permission before selling customer data to advertisers. These regulations were developed over the course of several years and reflected extensive public comment. Without these rules, corporate ISPs can now sell their subscribers' sensitive, highly personal information to the highest bidder without consent. Repealing these regulations sacrificed every American's basic privacy rights in favor of corporate interests.
I have been a long time champion of advancing telecommunications policies that protect consumers, and I continue to fight for every American's right to privacy. That is why I'm co-sponsoring the Online Privacy Act, federal legislation which would restore our right to say when and how our private information is used. It is also why I write today, to express my support for the California Broadband Internet Privacy Act (A.B. 375), which like the Online Privacy Act ensures that consumers enjoy choice, transparency, security and digital privacy when using the internet.
I commend the Assembly for taking the steps necessary to restore what the recently repealed FCC privacy rules were designed to accomplish. California has been at the leading edge of innovation in approaching privacy issues and consumer protection for years, and with this legislation that leadership continues. I support your legislation, which will give Californians control over their basic privacy rights.
Sincerely,
Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)
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