State governments seem to be introducing more legislation that boosts privacy and limits government, law enforcement and corporate access to their private electronic information. Experts pointed to states considering legislation on the use of cell-site simulators and drones, among other technologies, and limiting access to emails and student data. Those interviewed couldn't say how many privacy-related bills are being discussed across state legislatures, but they believe there's a growing body of such legislation. They also couldn't point to any one privacy-related issue or legislation as more important than another now.

State governments seem to be introducing more legislation that boosts privacy and limits government, law enforcement and corporate access to their private electronic information. Experts pointed to states considering legislation on the use of cell-site simulators and drones, among other technologies, and limiting access to emails and student data. Those interviewed couldn't say how many privacy-related bills are being discussed across state legislatures, but they believe there's a growing body of such legislation. They also couldn't point to any one privacy-related issue or legislation as more important than another now.

State governments seem to be introducing more legislation that boosts privacy and limits government, law enforcement and corporate access to their private electronic information. Experts pointed to states considering legislation on the use of cell-site simulators and drones, among other technologies, and limiting access to emails and student data. Those interviewed couldn't say how many privacy-related bills are being discussed across state legislatures, but they believe there's a growing body of such legislation. They also couldn't point to any one privacy-related issue or legislation as more important than another now.

Any FCC broadband privacy rules should be consistent with the FTC approach, which is “flexible” and “time-tested,” said seven communications industry groups as a related rulemaking looms. The FTC framework is “grounded in prohibiting unfairness and deception” and protects consumer privacy while accommodating innovative models in a dynamic market, said the American Cable Association, Competitive Carriers Association, CTA, CTIA, Internet Commerce Coalition, NCTA and USTelecom, which sent a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Thursday. Three weeks ago, consumer-oriented groups urged the FCC to start a broadband privacy rulemaking, in what observers said was a likely prelude to one (see 1601190077). The FCC could consider a broadband privacy Further NPRM at its March 31 meeting, informed sources told us Thursday.

Any FCC broadband privacy rules should be consistent with the FTC approach, which is “flexible” and “time-tested,” said seven communications industry groups as a related rulemaking looms. The FTC framework is “grounded in prohibiting unfairness and deception” and protects consumer privacy while accommodating innovative models in a dynamic market, said the American Cable Association, Competitive Carriers Association, CTA, CTIA, Internet Commerce Coalition, NCTA and USTelecom, which sent a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Thursday. Three weeks ago, consumer-oriented groups urged the FCC to start a broadband privacy rulemaking, in what observers said was a likely prelude to one (see 1601190077). The FCC could consider a broadband privacy Further NPRM at its March 31 meeting, informed sources told us Thursday.

The Telecom Act ushered in Internet innovation and growth even though it didn’t fully anticipate market developments, said some who helped draft the legislation that became law 20 years ago. Congress didn’t get all the details right, but the 1996 act created a strong competitive framework that was flexible enough to undergird huge investment in communications networks and Internet applications, panelists said at a Tuesday discussion hosted by the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy.

The Telecom Act ushered in Internet innovation and growth even though it didn’t fully anticipate market developments, said some who helped draft the legislation that became law 20 years ago. Congress didn’t get all the details right, but the 1996 act created a strong competitive framework that was flexible enough to undergird huge investment in communications networks and Internet applications, panelists said at a Tuesday discussion hosted by the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy.

Industry representatives are praising the new U.S.-EU safe harbor framework that promises businesses on both sides of the Atlantic a better legal footing. But privacy supporters remain skeptical about the legal basis of the new EU-U.S. Privacy Shield that aims to strengthen the privacy rights of millions of European citizens. The new data transfer agreement announced Tuesday (see 1602020028) replaces the 15-year-old safe harbor framework, and government negotiators said it provides stronger data protections for EU citizens and implements safeguards that limit data access by U.S. intelligence agencies. While the text of the agreement wasn't released -- and likely won't be for several weeks -- observers questioned whether the new framework could withstand a court challenge.

Industry representatives are praising the new U.S.-EU safe harbor framework that promises businesses on both sides of the Atlantic a better legal footing. But privacy supporters remain skeptical about the legal basis of the new EU-U.S. Privacy Shield that aims to strengthen the privacy rights of millions of European citizens. The new data transfer agreement announced Tuesday (see 1602020028) replaces the 15-year-old safe harbor framework, and government negotiators said it provides stronger data protections for EU citizens and implements safeguards that limit data access by U.S. intelligence agencies. While the text of the agreement wasn't released -- and likely won't be for several weeks -- observers questioned whether the new framework could withstand a court challenge.

A group of some 40 public interest groups is sending a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler asking the commission to begin a privacy rulemaking. Industry observers said Tuesday that the letter is likely a prelude to an expected FCC NPRM on privacy (see 1601110065).