Privacy Digest

FCC: Verizon did not breach privacy laws - Via Associated Press Business News - MSN Money :

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators determined Friday that Verizon Communications Inc. did not violate consumer privacy laws when it tried to keep customers who wanted cancel Verizon and switch to cable providers for voice services.

The Federal Communications Commission's enforcement bureau reached its determination in response to a complaint filed by Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc. and privately owned Bright House Networks.

The enforcement bureau's action is still a recommendation and must be approved by the agency's five commissioners within 70 days. The cable companies can still challenge the recommended decision within 15 days.

The three cable companies complained Verizon was trying to retain customers -- who wanted to cancel their Verizon voice services and switch to another provider -- by improperly using proprietary information. They also alleged Verizon also engaged in anticompetitive practices.

The cable companies alleged Verizon improperly used customer information for marketing purposes in violation of federal law.

The three cable companies filed the complaint Feb. 11. The deadline for a decision was Friday.

The enforcement bureau also recommended the FCC commissioners seek further public input on rules governing on competition for voice, video and Internet services and whether further regulation is needed.

(Read Original Article - Via AP on MSN.)