The heads of eight organizations representing technology and communications companies say they cannot support proposed Federal Communications Commission rules meant to protect consumer privacy when using broadband internet services.

In a joint letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, the eight heads said the FCC rules "would impose unnecessary costs on consumers, put a drag on innovation and competition, and make it harder for broadband internet access service providers." The committee held a hearing about the proposed rules Tuesday.

"It is clear that the FCC's proposed rules are both inconsistent with consumer expectations and clash with the important policies that have successfully guided the internet economy for almost two decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations," the groups said.

FCC voted in March to adopt new rules preventing internet service providers from sharing consumer information to third parties without first getting consent from their customers. The rules also require ISPs to clearly state what information they collect, what data will be shared with third parties, and how customers can change their privacy options.

Most telecom companies would rather give customers' the choice to "opt-out" of sharing their information rather than first seeking their permission to "opt-in." The eight industry groups said the FCC's proposals raise significant legal concerns and stand in stark contrast to an Obama administration pledge to pursue a "technology-neutral" (i.e. hands-off) approach to regulatory policy.

The eight signatories are Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association; Meredith Attwell Baker, CEO of CTIA; Jim Halpert, CEO of the Internet Commerce Coalition; Genevieve Morelli, President of International Technology and Trade Associations; Jonathan Spalter, chair of Mobile Future; Michael Powell, CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association; Scott Belcher, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association; and Walter McCormick, CEO of USTelecom. http://bit.ly/29v2vEq

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