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California Bill Promises Broadband Privacy

California Bill Promises Broadband Privacy


The state of personal information is highly important for enlightened netizens all around the world, especially in the U.S. where privacy related issues (Apple vs the government) regularly brush the feathers of people. But it seems that internet secrecy gained popularity as a mean of opposing the Trump government. California just entered the league of 19 other states fighting to prevent broadband internet providers from tracking and selling users’ data without their consent. Although the battle lines are drawn, it’s questionable whether California could be the first one to preserve the privacy of American netizens or their effort will be dismissed.

California for privacy

During the summer of 2017, state lawmakers of California unveiled a new legislation that – if accepted – would force the hands of internet providers such as Comcast and AT&T when it comes to collecting user data of any sort. Despite Comcast claiming in a blog article that they won’t sell customers’ private browsing history to third party companies, having the law on your side is always reassuring. According to Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, the freshly introduced bill is meant to satisfy a simple need of consumers, namely that people should be asked first before using their personal information. In case they manage to push the legislation through, then no one’s web browsing information would be used for targeted advertisement without opt-in consent.

Against the current

Earlier this April, U.S. president Donald Trump repealed his predecessor’s internet privacy protection moves, prompting several states – including California – to create their own proposals, all of which reflect the repealed legislation. By this they sent a very clear message to the government, declaring their intent to bring back customer privacy. Even better, they add new ideas to the original list, such as preventing companies from charging a higher fee for the ability to block certain ads, capitalizing on people’s distain of advertisements. However, introducing a bill that is popular among civilians regardless their political standing is one thing, but actually pushing through is quite another. This is shown with the 19 legislation proposals submitted by the other states that are still pending.

President Trump
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Use VPN as plan b

It could occur that the government simply halts these bills until people forget about it. Don’t wait for the wheels of bureaucracy turning in your favor and instead take matters into your hand. Opting for a VPN offers several benefits. First of all, your browsing sessions will be encrypted, preventing spying and data collection. Using a VPN could also eliminate throttling by your ISP, effectively making your connection faster regardless of which website or service you’re trying to access. Last but not least, some VPN services offer extra features that eliminate ads and open blocked content for you.

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