Massachusetts Wants to Shame Unfair ISPs – Here’s Why, and How

According to Motherboard, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is proposing a new bill that would “name and shame” internet services providers (ISPs) that ignore net neutrality or violate consumer privacy.

Under this proposed law, Massachusetts would create “an internet service provider registry that tracks whether ISPs adhere to privacy, net neutrality” and other consumer-benefitting policies. ISPs that do abide by consumer privacy and net neutrality would be able to don a “Massachusetts Net Neutrality and Consumer Privacy Seal” of approval.

With the chaos of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) repeal of net neutrality ensuing, multiple states are evaluating their state-level net neutrality rules. Twenty-three states, including Massachusetts, are suing the FCC and taking other actions to create a fairer playing field for consumers on the network.

The goal of this bill by the commonwealth, Motherboard says, “is to force ISPs to be more transparent about their network management and handling of your private data.” It also aims to clarify an existing Massachusetts law stating that “municipalities have the authority to build and operate their own broadband options.”

What decision makers need to look out for:

While Massachusetts crusades against disrespectful ISPs, it’s also increasing the pressure on consumers. This is because limited network competition reduces the amount of other ISPs end users can turn to. As a result, the commonwealth’s public shaming on these ISPs might be for nothing: “whether an ISP receives the Massachusetts seal of approval may not matter if the end user has no alternative broadband options,” Motherboard says.

Additionally, some lobbying groups are hoping to hinder the bill too. Motherboard uses the example of ISP lobbying group New England Cable & Telecommunications Association, who “were quick to try and claim the proposed law would somehow stifle innovation in the state.”

Massachusetts decision makers whose businesses may be affected by the bill will have a better sense of direction after the July 31 ruling; if the bill isn’t passed, state officials will revisit the issues from scratch in January 2019, Motherboard says.

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