Oracle Asks FCC to Reconsider Controversial ISP Privacy Rules
Oracle asked the FCC to rethink its ISP privacy rules, in a petition for reconsideration in docket 16-106. Oracle’s main complaint was that the FCC treats ISPs differently than edge providers, not subject to the rules. “The Order correctly recognizes…
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that protecting consumer privacy online is ‘fundamental,’ but completely undermines that goal by handing Google the market to the obvious detriment of consumers,” Oracle said. Rules for ISPs that depart from the FTC’s guidelines will hurt competition, Oracle said. “The corresponding harm to consumers is clear from an examination of the Order’s benefits for Google,” Oracle said. “Google already has the ability to track virtually every movement of a consumer’s day through an Android phone or tablet. It has created a proprietary Android world to derive substantial economic benefit from advertising and -- perhaps even more importantly -- obtain access to huge amounts of personal data through search, location tracking, and other activities.” Google didn’t comment. The ISP privacy rules, approved 3-2 by the FCC in October (see 1610270036), are seen as a top target for reversal by FCC Republicans once they gain a 2-1 edge at the agency Jan. 20 (see 1611090034). The main criticism by ISPs has been that they now face different regulations from edge providers.