Washington state could block sale of internet customers’ data without permission

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Washington could try to block a federal effort to allow internet providers to sell customer data by making such sales a violation of the state’s consumer protection law.

Bipartisan bills filed in both the state Senate and House would block internet service providers’ ability to collect personal information without a customer’s permission.  Sponsors of the proposed Internet Privacy Act filed Tuesday say they have received many calls from concerned constituents since Congress voted last week to eliminate certain privacy protections and allow ISPs to collect and sell their customers’ data.  President Donald Trump signed the bill on Monday.

Both Democrats and Republicans in Olympia say the public has a reasonable right to privacy when they are online.

Under the Senate proposal, any internet company operating in Washington would need to get written consent from a customer before collecting personal information, and refusal to grant permission could not be used as a reason to deny a customer service.

The longer House proposal requires an internet company to inform customers in clear language of the type of sensitive proprietary information it plans to collect on them, and require customers to opt in to any plan to use or disclose that information.  The company must also take measures to prevent personal information from unauthorized use or disclosure.

Under both bills, failing to comply would be a violation of Washington’s consumer protection laws, and would subject violators – in-state or out – to prosecution.  (Spokesman-Review)