The COVID-19 pandemic has left many Americans feeling uncertain how to balance the need to protect their digital privacy with the need to share individual health information to fight the virus. A recent Washington Post–University of Maryland poll found 59% of smartphone users would “be comfortable” using a coronavirus-tracking app to anonymously alert others if they tested positive for COVID-19, but only 43% trust tech companies with that sensitive information. Individuals who want to take steps to protect themselves and others during this unprecedented health emergency should be able to do so and know their personal privacy is protected.

Americans are rightly worried about their privacy – 81% feel that they have little or no control over the data companies collect about them. As a connectivity provider, protecting our customers’ online privacy is one of our most important responsibilities. We value and rely on their trust and loyalty. That’s why Charter has long called for a strong federal framework to protect consumers’ privacy online: it will help protect those we serve and rebuild confidence that their personal information is safe as more and more of their lives move online.

Charter has consistently called for a national privacy framework that empowers and informs consumers giving them confidence that their personal information is being protected online. We appreciate the Senate Commerce Committee holding today’s hearing to advance the legislative process and address the need for stronger online privacy protections.

Charter teamed up with the Future of Privacy Forum to host an important discussion about protecting online consumer privacy featuring House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection Chair Jan Schakowsky and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Both Congresswomen spoke about the need for bipartisan, bicameral leadership to create a strong national privacy framework that puts consumers first and safeguards their data.

At today’s FTC hearing on Competition and Consumer Protection, I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of establishing a strong legal framework to protect consumers’ privacy online. I reiterated Charter’s support for a national policy framework that gives consumers better tools to control and protect their personal information.

Last April, Charter CEO Tom Rutledge called for a stronger legal framework to protect consumers’ privacy online explaining it is both the right thing to do and important for the continued growth of the Internet economy.  With this week’s hearings in Congress, the time is right for policymakers to focus on what should be included in federal legislation.

Last April, Charter CEO Tom Rutledge called for a stronger legal framework to protect consumers’ privacy online explaining it is both the right thing to do and important for the continued growth of the Internet economy.  With this week’s hearings in Congress, the time is right for policymakers to focus on what should be included in federal legislation.

Charter filed comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s notice and request for comment on ways to advance consumer privacy while protecting prosperity and innovation.

Good morning, Chairman Thune, Ranking Member Nelson, and distinguished members of the Committee.  Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

Charter has submitted formal comments to the Federal Trade Commission as it launches “Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century” to examine how to protect online privacy and data security for all.

At Charter, we think forward – we’re doing the work today to help build a better connected America tomorrow. That’s why we’re investing in next-generation technologies, while continuing to build a strong, diverse, locally based workforce and investing in our state-of-the-art infrastructure.

In recent weeks, people have found themselves shocked by who knows what about them—and how little they knew about how that information was being used. Today’s technology allows us to pay bills, sign up for healthcare, and even find a date without ever getting off the couch.

In recent weeks, people have found themselves shocked by who knows what about them—and how little they knew about how that information was being used. Today’s technology allows us to pay bills, sign up for healthcare, and even find a date without ever getting off the couch.

rotecting the privacy of our consumers is one of our most important responsibilities as a broadband provider. Recent activity by Congress does not change, or weaken, Charter’s commitment to the protection of our customers’ online privacy, or our rigorous privacy practices and policies. To be clear it also does not change the way in which Charter collects, uses or shares customer information.

“Protecting the privacy and personal data of our subscribers is one of our most important responsibilities as a broadband provider. Charter supports efforts to adopt a uniform set of privacy regulations that ensure that all internet entities – whether they are established broadband providers, the largest web companies or new entrants to the industry – are held to the same standards for how consumer personal data may be used.”

Protecting the privacy and personal data of our consumers is one of our most important responsibilities as a broadband provider. Our privacy policies and practices are consistent with the Federal Trade Commission’s privacy framework, which has been well-respected and effective for more than 20 years, and we adhere to additional privacy protections required by federal and state privacy laws.