February 2019

Internet Privacy: Additional Federal Authority Could Enhance Consumer Protection and Provide Flexibility

The United States does not have a comprehensive Internet privacy law governing the collection, use, and sale or other disclosure of consumers' personal information. The US Govermment Accountability Office was asked to review federal oversight of Internet privacy. This report addresses, among other objectives: (1) how Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission have overseen consumers' Internet privacy and (2) selected stakeholders' views on the strengths and limitations of how Internet privacy currently is overseen and how, if it all, this approach could be enhanced.

American Broadband Initiative: High-Speed Broadband Unlocks Opportunities for Americans

Throughout our economy, emerging technologies are disrupting pre-existing business models and creating unprecedented opportunities for the American people. However, without access to reliable high-speed broadband, too many Americans are being left out of those opportunities. This is particularly true in rural America, where nearly 39 percent of Americans lack sufficient broadband access.

Commissioner O'Rielly Interested in New FCC Term

The next Federal Communications Commission commissioner’s term to expire belongs to Mike O’Rielly, and he said he would welcome another five-year term. “I’ve expressed an interest in potentially staying,” said Commissioner O'Rielly. “But I respect the fact that this is DC and the nominations and the process can be complex.” O’Rielly’s term ends June 30, although he can remain seated for a year and a half after. 

Sprint Withdraws From INCOMPAS

Sprint is withdrawing from tech and telecom trade group Incompas, of which Sprint is a founding member after Incompas publicly came out against the company’s proposed merger with T-Mobile. “Given this fundamental shift toward protecting incumbents from a new competitive threat, Sprint can no longer be a member of this organization,” said Sprint’s Charles McKee, who also resigned from Incompas’ board of directors as part of the move.