Cops on the Convergence Beat: 21st Century Rules to Protect Consumers Online

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In Sept, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will kick off its planned Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century.  The timing is auspicious.  Now that the FTC once again oversees the entire internet ecosystem, including broadband internet service providers (ISPs), it should pursue two overarching objectives. The FTC should use its authority to 1) create a level playing field by harmonizing the competition and consumer protection frameworks for all participants in the internet marketplace, and 2) drive regulatory consistency and predictability to benefit competition and consumers through more investment and innovation.

It is also essential that any rules that will impact the internet or internet services not be articulated via a patchwork of unique state-by-state regulations like we currently see emerging.  We therefore encourage the FTC to work with Congress to enact federal legislation that reinforces the FTC’s leadership role in this area and ensures any privacy rules are national in nature and consistently applied to all internet companies.

[Betsy Brady is AT&T Assistant Vice President of Federal Relations]


Cops on the Convergence Beat: 21st Century Rules to Protect Consumers Online