Congress passed a law, which the President signed, allowing Internet Service Providers (ISP) to track and sell information about their customers’ browsing behavior to advertisers.
Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) supported and voted for that law.
Unlike Google or Facebook, it is difficult, if not impossible, to “turn-off” an ISP like Verizon or AT&T. Given the sophistication of data mining, the value of a rich and predictive real-time tracking model that captures the preferences and behavior of millions of users would be enormous.
It is a “Big Data ISP Bonanza.” Matching a person’s geolocation to their personal data and buying habits is the gold standard for intrusive targeting of individuals.
Just as chilling was the roll-back of breach notification contained in this legislation. The idea that ISPs do not have to disclose the wrongful theft of sensitive consumer data is grossly irresponsible.
Without that knowledge consumers may continue to be victimized, on multiple occasions, over long intervals. ISP customers, you and I, would, unknowingly, continue to bear the risk and suffer the losses arising from Big Data ISPs’ failure to “protect” our sensitive information.
So, this new law is a “two-fer” for Big Data ISPs: They make millions by tracking and then reselling our preferences and behavior without our consent and no breach notification means a breach of their security, resulting in the theft of sensitive consumer data, is not publicly disclosed.
No disclosure means no public embarrassment. Without public anger at such loss, ISPs would have less of an incentive to invest in cyber security. Essentially, if you do not know that your friendly ISP’s incompetence allowed your data to be stolen, it is your loss, your problem.
Given Congressman Smith’s support of the money swamp agenda, it is not surprising he could care less about our individual privacy. We need someone to stand up for the people in this district. It is time we drained our swamp.
Bruce Brickman
Manalapan
