policy privacy Video Privacy Protection Act
Senate Considers Amendment to Weaken Internet Privacy Law
A senate committee is today considering changes to the Video Privacy Protection Act, a law which safeguards the video viewing records of Internet users. The amendment would allow companies to obtain blanket consent for the use of customer information in the future, whether or not users knew who would receive the information or why it was being disclosed. In testimony before the Senate in January, EPIC strongly opposed the amendment and recommended instead changes that would update the law to provide greater safeguards for Internet users. A federal court recently held that the video law protects the privacy of Hulu subscribers. As the court explained, "Congress was concerned with protecting the confidentiality of private information about viewing preferences regardless of the business model or media format involved." The amendment is backed by Netflix and various industry lobbyists. For information, see EPIC, Video Privacy Protection Act.
September 20, 2012| Share:
