By Peter Kaplan
Communications
"We respectfully request that you do not move forward on
Charter Communications' proposed venture .... until we have an
opportunity to discuss with you the issues raised by this
proposed venture," Reps. Edward Markey and Joe Barton said in a
letter to Charter Chief Executive Neil Smit.
Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, is the chairman of the
House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet.
Barton, of Texas, is the ranking Republican on the House Energy
and Commerce Committee.
Charter recently sent some customers a letter outlining the
pilot program, which is planned for June. In it, the company
said the technique would provide "an enhanced online experience
that is more customized to your interests and activities."
In the letter, Charter said the service is anonymous and
"does not collect or use any information that identifies you or
your family." Charter pledged to protect customers' privacy and
offered an explanation of how they could opt out of the
program.
But in a statement, Markey cast doubt on Charter's opt-out
offer.
"Simply providing a method for users to opt out of the
program is not the same has asking users to affirmatively agree
to participate in the program," he said.
Charter, the cable television operator controlled by former
Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, issued a statement on
Friday saying it would take an "open approach" with Markey and
Barton.
"Our goal is to bring an enhanced Internet experience to
our customer while meeting all privacy protection requirements.
We believe we have done that but are pleased to discuss this
matter with (them)," Charter said.
(Editing by Tim Dobbyn)
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