Major internet providers have come out to clarify that they don’t intend to sell personally identifiable browser histories. Statements intended to reassure users have been released by AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, all of which are trying to calm people down following Congress’ decision to pass a rule limiting privacy protections.
If the rule that was passed by Congress is signed by President Trump, ISPs won’t be explicitly prevented from selling browser history data.
Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast are trying to clarify their privacy policies.
We do not sell our broadband customers’ individual web browsing history. We did not do it before the FCC’s rules were adopted, and we have no plans to do so. – Comcast
Let’s set the record straight. Verizon does not sell the personal web browsing history of our customers. We don’t do it and that’s the bottom line. – Verizon
That doesn’t mean your data won’t be used for advertising, however. As Comcast explains, “non-personally identifiable information” will be utilized and sold. This means the data collection could still impact the ads you see, but in a less direct way.
