With the Federal Communications Commission reclassifying ISPs as common carriers through new net neutrality rules, Federal Trade Commission Chair Edith Ramirez is asking to have some form of authority over broadband privacy, Multichannel News reports. Ramirez specifically wants Congress to eliminate a common carrier exemption stopping the FTC from investigating telecoms for false and deceptive practices so her agency can use its law enforcement experience to protect consumers. Ramirez, however, is more than willing to share the power with the FCC. "Although the FCC would retain its jurisdiction over common carriers, consumers would benefit from the FTC having shared jurisdiction because the enforcement provisions of the FTC Act provide for consumer redress," she said. "Whereas the FCC traditionally has exercised its authority to fine companies for noncompliance, the FTC focuses on putting money back in the pockets of consumers."
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