March 23, 2017

ACA Applauds Senate Passage Of Flake Resolution Voiding FCC's Broadband Privacy Rules

PITTSBURGH, March 23, 2017 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement on Senate passage of S.J. Res 34 voiding the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband privacy regulations:

“ACA is very pleased the Senate voted to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the FCC’s broadband privacy regulations. ACA thanks Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and his many Senate co-sponsors of the CRA resolution for their leadership role in eliminating regulations that as applied to smaller broadband providers would impose unwarranted and burdensome regulations, harmful both to small businesses and their customers.

“The FCC’s regulations were not only onerous, but also singled out ISPs with overly restrictive privacy responsibilities. Meanwhile, the Internet’s giant edge providers were exempt despite having access to similar, if not more, consumer data for their commercial use.

“Today’s vote is an important step forward in clearing the path for FCC Chairman Pai and Acting FTC Chairman Ohlhausen, who have pledged to work together, to develop a new ‘comprehensive and consistent framework’ for protecting American’s online privacy.

“Notwithstanding today’s vote, ACA members are committed to maintaining their excellent record of protecting subscriber privacy. They remain subject to a variety of state and federal unfair and deceptive trade practices, data security and data breach laws. Moreover, they have released a voluntary set of ISP Privacy Principles that cover transparency, consumer choice, data security and data breach notification and are consistent with the FTC’s long-standing framework. ACA members have committed to adhere to these obligations regardless of whether the FCC’s existing regulations remain in place.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America.  Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business.  For more information, visithttps://acaconnects.org/