Wednesday, June 21, 2006

AT&T rewrites rules: Your data isn't yours

SFGate reported AT&T has issued an updated privacy policy that takes effect Friday. The changes are significant because they appear to give the telecom giant more latitude when it comes to sharing customers' personal data with government officials. The new policy says that AT&T -- not customers -- owns customers' confidential info and can use it "to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."

I am not concerned about responding to legal processes, but what is this about "legitimate business interests"
The policy also indicates that AT&T will track the viewing habits of customers of its new video service -- something that cable and satellite providers are prohibited from doing.
I thought telco's video service was satellite.
Moreover, AT&T (formerly known as SBC) is requiring customers to agree to its updated privacy policy as a condition for service
That is certainly one way to get it.
a new move that legal experts say will reduce customers' recourse for any future data sharing with government authorities or others.
I am not upset at them providing it to the government, but it its the others that concerns me.

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