The FCC chairman Ajit Pai has called for the commission to suspend the new privacy rules passed last year and scheduled to take effect 02 March. Approved under Pai's predecessor, the rules require internet providers to take a stricter stance on protecting and using customer data. Industry groups have opposed the rules, saying the existing data protection rules under the FTC are enough and the FCC rules may create confusion and conflict.
Pai has sided with the ISPs, saying he prefers a "technology-neutral" privacy framework coordinated with the FTC's standards. He has asked the FCC to vote by 02 March to suspend its previous order on the new rules from taking effect as scheduled on 02 March.
FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn issued a statement saying he was concerned Pai's proposal would leave consumers unprotected. It also gives commissioners just four days to decide on a proposal compared to the usual period of at least three weeks before a vote. Clyburn's opinion was seconded by FTC commissioner Terrell McSweeny in the statement.
As it appears Clyburn will vote against the proposal, this leaves just one commissioner, Michael O'Reilly with the deciding vote on Pai's proposal. O'Reilly has previously sided with Pai on opposing the privacy rules and the FCC's net neutrality order.
