Closer to FTC May Be Better for FCC Broadband Privacy Rules

The Federal Communications Commission is said to be softening its approach toward writing new privacy rules for broadband internet providers, according to sources following the agency’s deliberations.

But any rules the agency ultimately produces are likely to face major legal hurdles if they stray too far from an existing Federal Trade Commission approach to privacy regulation.

The FCC is thought to be moving toward an FTC-style model for regulating privacy, the sources said, and is likely to put a package of rules on the agenda for its Oct. 27 monthly meeting. Broadband providers are pleased about the prospect of a ...