House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would require an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Telecommunications Company to obtain consent and allow a customer to “opt-in” before the customer’s proprietary information can be used or sold to advertisers or third parties. This bill will be a part of the Online Privacy and Security Bill package.

As you know, Congress recently passed a bill that will reverse and block internet privacy rules that were passed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These FCC rules were designed to protect consumers, however, this partisan reversal will now expose millions of Americans from having their personal information sold by ISPs and Telecommunication Companies to advertisers and other third parties. The General Assembly needs to take steps to protect Pennsylvanians from these invasive actions.

By requiring an ISP or Telecommunication Company to get consent prior to selling their personal profile or information, we are protecting customers from having their information sold to advertisers and third parties without their knowledge. While it is true that some websites currently collect and sell data, the consumer is consenting to use that website and consenting to that collection. If the consumer does not want to participate, they can just avoid those websites. It is not the same with an ISP or Telecommunications Company. Often, consumers only have one choice for an internet provider, they should not be automatically exposed to invasive data collection efforts without their agreement. Lastly, please know that under my bill any violation would be carry the penalties of a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

I hope you will join with me in co-sponsoring this bill package and stand up to protect the privacy and security of internet users and customers.