President Trump Signs Bill Overturning Internet Privacy Protections

President Donald Trump on Monday signed into law a controversial measure repealing online privacy protections established by the Federal Communications Commission under the Obama Administration.

The rules, which would have taken effect in December, required internet service providers — including Comcast, Verizon and AT&T — to obtain permission from customers before sharing personal data like their web-browsing history. The rules were aimed at preventing internet providers from selling that data without permission.

Critics of the rules argued they were an example of government overreach and were unfair because tech companies, like Google and Facebook, are not required to get such permission before tracking customers’ habits.

The bill passed the House and Senate last week, as Republicans voted to overturn the regulations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday urged Trump to veto the bill.