Verizon-Yahoo! Deal Raises Concerns Over Consumer Privacy and Zero Rating

Washington, D.C. — Today, Verizon announced plans to acquire most of Yahoo!’s assets, which will place not only Yahoo!’s mail service and Tumblr in Verizon’s hands, but also Yahoo!’s extensive data and data collection capabilities. OTI is concerned about the serious implications this deal will have on consumer privacy and zero rating.

The following statement can be attributed to Eric Null, Policy Counsel for New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Verizon’s recent buying-spree - first AOL and now Yahoo! - illustrates that ISPs are rushing to supplement their already robust data collection capabilities to better target marketing to their customers with highly personal and comprehensive data. As ISPs continue to seek ways to vertically integrate, the FCC must pass broadband privacy rules to give consumers the ability to choose whether they consent to their ISP engaging in such privacy invasive practices.”

The following statement can be attributed to Michael Calabrese, Director of the Wireless Future Project at the Open Technology Institute:

“The acquisition of Yahoo!’s assets is a drain on cash, which reinforces the likelihood Verizon will not be a huge bidder in the ongoing incentive auction for TV band spectrum. Verizon is focusing instead on inexpensive small cell and unlicensed
spectrum to densify capacity in high-traffic urban areas and venues.

continue to violate network neutrality rules and favor its own mobile video content over rivals.”