What a phony, Chairman Pai, quite honestly.
First off, is it not at all clear whether the FTC as any jurisdiction over
common carriers? After the FCC washes its hands of its assigned duties, will
the FTC or someone ensure that these broadband providers NOT classify
themselves as common carriers? I thought that was an issue, and yet this
corrupted FCC doesn't even mention it.
Secondly, this is the meat of the matter:
"The FCC will review informal complaints concerning the compliance of Internet
service providers (ISPs) with the disclosure obligations set forth in the new
transparency rule. Those obligations include publicly providing information
concerning an ISP's practices with respect to blocking, throttling, paid
prioritization, and congestion management. Should an ISP fail to make the
required disclosures-either in whole or in part-the FCC will take enforcement
action.
"The FTC will investigate and take enforcement action as appropriate against
ISPs concerning the accuracy of those disclosures, as well as other deceptive
or unfair acts or practices involving their broadband services."
Holy cow are we tone deaf. So okay, the ISP says "I will block" such and so,
and "I will charge different rates for different sites." When people have one
or at most two choices, and they are an enormous nuisance to change, are you
seriously telling us that if the ISP "discloses" these practices, all's good?
Courts, do the right thing. Chairman, please do resign.
Bert
-------------------------------------------------
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db1211/DOC-348191A1.pdf
Media Contact:
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@xxxxxxx
For Immediate Release
FTC, FCC OUTLINE AGREEMENT TO COORDINATE ONLINE CONSUMER PROTECTION EFFORTS
FOLLOWING ADOPTION OF THE RESTORING INTERNET FREEDOM ORDER
Federal Agencies Intend to Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Allocate
Enforcement Responsibilities
WASHINGTON, December 11, 2017-The Federal Trade Commission and Federal
Communications Commission announced their intent to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) under which the two agencies would coordinate online
consumer protection efforts following the adoption of the Restoring Internet
Freedom Order. "The Memorandum of Understanding will be a critical benefit for
online consumers because it outlines the robust process by which the FCC and
FTC will safeguard the public interest," said
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "Instead of saddling the Internet with heavy-handed
regulations, we will work together to take targeted action against bad actors.
This approach protected a free and open Internet for many years prior to the
FCC's 2015 Title II Order and it will once again following the adoption of the
Restoring Internet Freedom Order."
"The FTC is committed to ensuring that Internet service providers live up to
the promises they make to consumers," said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K.
Ohlhausen. "The MOU we are developing with the FCC, in addition to the decades
of FTC law enforcement experience in this area, will help us carry out this
important work."
The draft MOU, which is being released today, outlines a number of ways in
which the FCC and FTC will work together to protect consumers, including:
The FCC will review informal complaints concerning the compliance of Internet
service providers (ISPs) with the disclosure obligations set forth in the new
transparency rule. Those obligations include publicly providing information
concerning an ISP's practices with respect to blocking, throttling, paid
prioritization, and congestion management. Should an ISP fail to make the
required disclosures-either in whole or in part-the FCC will take enforcement
action.
The FTC will investigate and take enforcement action as appropriate against
ISPs concerning the accuracy of those disclosures, as well as other deceptive
or unfair acts or practices involving their broadband services.
The FCC and the FTC will broadly share legal and technical expertise, including
the secure sharing of informal complaints regarding the subject matter of the
Restoring
Internet Freedom Order. The two agencies also will collaborate on consumer and
industry outreach and education.
The FCC's proposed Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which the agency is
expected to vote on at its December 14 meeting, would reverse a 2015 agency
decision to reclassify broadband Internet access service as a Title II common
carrier service. This previous decision stripped the FTC of its authority to
protect consumers and promote competition with respect to Internet service
providers because the FTC does not have jurisdiction over common carrier
activities. The FCC's Restoring Internet Freedom Order would return
jurisdiction to the FTC to police the conduct of ISPs, including with respect
to their privacy practices. Once adopted, the order will also require broadband
Internet access service providers to disclose their network management
practices, performance, and commercial terms of service. As the nation's top
consumer protection agency, the FTC will be responsible for holding these
providers to the promises they make to consumers.
The Federal Communications Commission is responsible for implementing and
enforcing America's communications law and regulations. You can learn more
about the FCC's initiatives, file a consumer complaint online or visit the
consumer help center. Like the FCC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our
blogs, and visit the website for the latest FCC news and resources.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and
educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer
complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on
Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases
for the latest FTC news and resources.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full
text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515
F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974
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