torrentlog

Cites customer concerns, but most likely of political pressure by several leading congressional representatives. A little over a month ago I reported how Charter Communications planned to begin tracking customer internet traffic for resale to a targeted advertising firm. The plan, which was set to begin testing was early as next month in four markets before going systemwide, immediately drew condemnation from customers, privacy advocates, and congressmen from the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), chairman, and Joe Barton (R-TX) wrote to Neil Smit, Charter's president and chief executive officer, soon after the plan was announced, asking him to put it on hold until the three could discuss the matter.