FCC reconsidering set-top box proposal

The FCC’s current set-top box proposal, which would hand customer viewing data to third-party companies, is losing support. The Commission initiated a rulemaking designed to give consumers alternatives to the cable and satellite companies’ set-top box, but the proposal is deeply flawed. It fails to adequately protect the copyright and compensation of content creators and the privacy rights of consumers. Now some vital political players are signaling their opposition, and Chairman Wheeler plans to discuss a compromise proposal this week.

Two FCC Commissioners voted against the FCC’s proposal when it was first introduced and now an important third vote is voicing her concerns. "It has become clear the original proposal has real flaws,” Commissioner Rosenworcel recently told Reuters. “We need to find another way forward. So I'm glad that efforts are underway to hash out alternatives."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) also voiced concerns, focusing on consumer data protection. “I am concerned that your proposal does not contain mechanisms to ensure that third-party set-top box providers will be required to adequately protect programming content or consumer privacy,” Reid’s letter read. “I urge you to give careful consideration to these possible consequences and ensure that they are resolved before proceeding with your proposal.”

Sen. Reid’s and Rosenworcel’s concerns come the week after 15 Attorneys General from states across the country – including California and New York – sent a letter to the FCC urging the FCC to protect consumers’ privacy in the Commission’s set-top box proposal. In their letter, the AGs are justifiably concerned about the uneven regulation that would result from the FCC’s proposal.

Now FCC Chairman Wheeler plans to meet with video providers, who are pushing an application-based alternative plan, one that would give viewers a universal search functions while protecting their data from third-party companies.

Links:

Wheeler may be losing FCC Democratic support for set-top proposal (FierceCable, June 20, 2016)

FCC moves to open up the set-top box market (Speed Matters, Feb. 22, 2016)

Sen. Reid: Set-Top Plan Lacks Content, Privacy Protections (Broadcasting & Cable, June 21, 2016)

15 state Attorneys General urge the FCC to protect consumer set-top box privacy (Speed Matters, June 16, 2016)