{US} Charter Communications Won't Track User Web Traffic After All

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Charter Communications Won't Track User Web Traffic After All

Cites customer concerns, but most likely of political pressure by several leading congressional representatives.

A little over a month ago I reported how Charter Communications planned to begin tracking customer internet traffic for resale to a targeted advertising firm. The plan, which was set to begin testing was early as next month in four markets before going systemwide, immediately drew condemnation from customers, privacy advocates, and congressmen from the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), chairman, and Joe Barton (R-TX) wrote to Neil Smit, Charter's president and chief executive officer, soon after the plan was announced, asking him to put it on hold until the three could discuss the matter.

Yesterday, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal also called on Charter to drop the plan.

"The arrangement raises strikingly significant questions, such as what other uses will be made of this highly sensitive information and what measures Charter Communications is taking to safeguard such information," Blumenthal said.

Then today came word that Charter plans to drop the plan in response to the privacy concerns raised by customers.

"Our customers are always our first priority," Charter said. "We will continue to take a thoughtful, deliberate approach with the goal to ultimately structure an advertising service that enhances the Internet experience for our customers and addresses questions and concerns they've raised."

Certainly garnering the scrutiny of the CHAIRMAN of the House Subcommittee on Telcos and the Internet played a part in their decision as well.

"Charter engaged in quick political damage control" in its decision to drop the Web tracking, said Jeff Chester of the consumer rights organization Center for Digital Democracy.

Either way, at least customers can breathe easier knowing their ISP isn't logging all their traffic. Even if it's only for targeted advertising it's a nonetheless a source of data that could then be subpoenaed or monitored by third parties like the RIAA, MPAA, you name it.