House and Senate resolutions would allow broadband companies to use, share, and sell sensitive information about subscribers without affirmative consent

Washington (March 8, 2017) –Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement after Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced a House resolution that would undo the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadband privacy rules by utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA).  Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) introduced the Senate’s version earlier this week.

“The Republican’s assault on the Open Internet Order continues, and the FCC’s broadband privacy rules are their next target,” said Senator Markey.“Regrettably, Republicans fail to accept what we all know to be true and what the courts have already affirmed: broadband internet is an essential telecommunications service, just like telephone service. And just as phone companies cannot sell information about Americans’ phone calls, an internet service provider should not be allowed to sell sensitive consumer information without affirmative consent. I strongly oppose these resolutions, and will fight to protect the FCC’s essential broadband privacy rules.”