Telecommunications: privacy protections.
The passage of AB1079 would substantially impact state laws by reinforcing existing privacy protections and expanding subscriber rights regarding their personal information. By explicitly preventing the unauthorized disclosure of unlisted numbers, the bill aims to mitigate potential invasions of privacy that could arise from the sale of telephone number lists. Moreover, the requirement for express consent prior to the inclusion of dialing numbers in directories strengthens consumer autonomy over personal data, aligning with broader efforts to protect digital privacy rights.
Assembly Bill No. 1079, also known as AB1079, seeks to enhance privacy protections pertaining to telecommunications services in California. Specifically, the bill amends Section 2891.1 of the Public Utilities Code to restrict telephone corporations from including the numbers of subscribers with unlisted or unpublished access numbers in any lists sold or licensed without written consent from those subscribers. In addition, it mandates that mobile telephony service providers obtain express consent from subscribers before including their dialing numbers in any directory or database, ensuring greater control over personal information for consumers.
Overall, the sentiment around AB1079 has been positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and privacy proponents who laud the bill as a critical step towards enhanced privacy protections. Supporters argue that the bill empowers individuals by giving them more control over their data and helps prevent misuse. However, some telecommunication industry representatives have expressed concern about the additional burden this legislation places on service providers, who may need to implement new procedures to ensure compliance with the consent requirements.
Despite general support for the bill, some contention exists regarding the balance between privacy protections and operational efficiency for telecommunications companies. Critics argue that the requirement for express consent could slow down processes that benefit consumers, especially in emergency response situations. However, the bill does include provisions allowing the use of subscriber data by authorized entities, such as emergency services, for testing systems that respond to 911 calls, mitigating some of these concerns.