[Photo:  Bankingtech.com]

[NYTimes]    Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, announced that new government rules related to data security – that would have required high-speed internet providers (ISPs) to secure their customers’ data against hacking and other unauthorized uses - would not take effect this week as planned. The 2-1 vote on the data security rules was Mr. Pai’s latest move to roll back regulations created by his predecessor, Tom Wheeler, who was appointed by President Obama.

The FCC is headed by Chairman Ajit Pai, Republican Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen (FCC’s Acting Chair), and Democratic Commissioner (Ms.) Mignon Clyburn.

Mr. Pai also said the commission should not be engaged in any policing of broadband providers over online privacy. The FTC, instead, should oversee the broadband and web industries.

Since being appointed Chair of the FCC, Pai’s has taken other efforts to roll back ‘democratic’ regulations:

• dismantled privacy rules passed in October that required strong data-security measures and allowed ISPs to collect data on web browsing and app usage only with the permission of customers.
• closed an investigation into claims that ISPs may have been violating net neutrality provisions ensuring equal access to all websites
• pledged to revoke the regulatory classification of broadband service under which it is treated like a telephone-style utility.
• halted 9 broadband providers from giving subsidized service to low-income users, putting in limbo reforms to a subsidy program known as Lifeline.

Interestingly, the FCC’s decision comes at a time when data breaches have become all-too routine.

CAVEAT USER.