Friday’s Food for Thought: Fraud Protection Integral to Internet Growth

A federal appeals court has ruled the FCC lacks the authority to manage Internet traffic. Federal Communications Commissioner Robert M. McDowell writes in the Washington Post today that, instead of government regulation, “the FCC could forge a partnership with the long-standing nongovernmental bodies that have collaborated on Internet governance for years” to address regulatory and anti-competitive issues.”

ITAC supports broadband expansion but insists that fraud protection be an integral part of Internet growth. Consumers who use broadband to transact business, to share and learn, and for entertainment, must have access to accurate and up-to-date information on internet scams and schemes and advice on how to protect themselves and their computers. The FCC National Broadband Plan opens the door to millions of new users. Allowing them to enter without a warning about possible dangers – like phishing – would be irresponsible.

In truth we’re failing to prepare consumers for a safe cyber future, especially our children. A recent poll by the National Cyber Security Alliance, supported by Microsoft, found that America’s young people aren’t receiving adequate instruction to use digital technology and navigate cyber space in a safe, secure and responsible manner and our schools are ill-prepared to address these subjects.

Criminal activity on the Internet has the potential to undermine the great potential of the broadband plan. If you’ve seen the painful outcome of Internet fraud as we have, you know this as to be a priority and we’re ready to work with the FCC and other stakeholders on a national solution.

On a related note, April is financial literacy month. We want to recognize companies like Wells Fargo, VISA, HSBC and others who are making identity theft prevention a key part of their consumer education programs.

- Anne Wallace, President of ITAC, the Identity Theft Assistance Center