Ad Industry Slams FCC’s ‘Counterproductive’ Privacy Proposal

The Federal Communications Commission’s revised proposal for privacy rules is “counterproductive” and would hinder broadband providers’ ability “to succeed in the developing marketplace” of online advertising, six major ad organizations say in comments to regulators. The new proposal, unveiled last week by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, would require broadband providers to obtain consumers’ opt-in consent before drawing on their Web browsing and app usage history for ad targeting.