Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) has disclosed that it will not sell the browser history data of its customers to advertisers. This follows the passing of legislation by the United States Congress that seeks to reverse internet privacy laws that had been enacted during the Obama era. The legislation was passed by Republicans without any support from the Democrats.

“We do not sell our broadband customers’ individual web browsing history,” said the chief privacy officer of Comcast, Gerard Lewis.

Privacy protection

With the bill, regulations that were adopted by the FCC – Federal Communications Commission in October 2016 in the waning days of the Obama administration would be repealed. The regulations had required that internet service providers put in more effort in protecting the privacy of their customers. A wave of anger was sparked especially on social media platforms when the legislation was passed.

Comcast’s privacy chief disclosed that the company was revising the privacy policy with a view to making it clearer to their customers and other parties that the web browsing information of their customers is never sold to advertisers.

Big win

The passing of the legislation is being seen as a win for providers of internet services such as Verizon Communications, AT&T and Comcast. Before the repeal, providers of internet services were required to get consent from consumers prior to using health information, children’s information, financial information, precise geolocation and browser history information for purposes of advertising and marketing. Websites are however governed by a different set of less restrictive rules and are thus not required to get the consent of their users.

In Congress some suggested providers of internet services would start selling the personal information to whichever bidder was willing to pay the highest. Others also vowed to engage in fund raising efforts with a view to purchasing the browsing history data belonging to Republicans. After the rules were repealed in Congress, The White House revealed that the president would be signing the bill so that it can be begin to take effect.

On Friday shares of Comcast Corporation rose by 0.21% to close the day at $37.59.