Internet provider trade groups ask for more time for privacy comments

Trade groups representing internet service providers are asking the Federal Communications Commission to give the public more time to comment on proposed rules governing the way providers handle customer data.

The groups — including wireless association CTIA, the Consumer Technology Association and cable group NCTA — said in a Wednesday petition that the issues raised in the proposal are complex enough, and would have a big enough effect on their industry, that more time is needed for them to weigh in.

{mosads}“The Notice [of Proposed Rule-making] proposes to establish sweeping and unprecedented privacy, data security, and data breach rules for BIAS providers that raise difficult and complex legal, technical, and policy issues with broader implications for the complicated Internet ecosystem and online advertising marketplace,” they said.

They also argued it could be hard for smaller providers to weigh in simultaneously on the privacy issue and other proposals before the commission. The American Cable Association, which represents smaller providers, signed on to the filing.

“In addition to the complex and novel issues raised, an extension of time is also appropriate in recognition of the hardship placed on commenters, particularly smaller providers, who are simultaneously subject to comment deadlines falling around the same date in several additional significant FCC proceedings.”

A trade group called the Association of National Advertisers initiated the calls for an extension earlier this month, which public interest groups have opposed. The petition filed on Wednesday was released publically on Thursday.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s privacy proposal, which the commission voted to formally consider last month, would include requirements that internet service providers get their customer’s consent to use personal data in many cases.

Public interest advocates say it is high time that there be rules specifically for internet service providers with access to significant personal data. But industry groups say that the rules should more closely mirror the standard used by the Federal Trade Commission and applied to companies like Google and Facebook that make use of networks but do not control their infrastructure.