By Bob Katzen

Another measure heard by the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee would prohibit telecommunications or internet service providers from collecting personally identifiable information from a customer as a result of the customer’s use of the telecommunications or internet services, without the customer’s express written approval.

“[The bill] seeks to empower consumers by allowing them to take control of how their personal information is collected and disseminated,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “At a time of growing privacy concerns, this bill will help to ensure that no personally identifiable information is shared by a telecommunications or internet service provider without the customer’s explicit written consent and will give the customer the power to revoke that consent at any time.”