Many ISPs have recently made headlines due to their use of behavioral targeting and advertising agencies to basically spy on customers. These companies were hired by ISPs and given permission to track and record their customers surfing habits so that they can appropriately advertise to them based on their surfing habits. The outrage came when users realized they were being spied on and had no method to opt-out. Customers were not given an initial chance to opt-out of the behavioral targeting campaign; instead of asking for participants or allowing users to decline, ISPs made slight changes to their privacy policies telling customers what was happening. Even though many service providers have ceased working with the advertising networks it is still important for customers to focus on some other aspects of Internet Service Providers and know exactly what they are getting into.
A customer often gets much more than just an active Internet connection when a user signs up for their service. A typical ISP will provide customers with free anti-virus, firewalls, parental controls, anti-spy ware, and a whole suite of Internet and computer security products. Other common services include: free e-mail accounts, blogs, and online file storage. Along with these features, most ISPs provide the appropriate hardware to connect to the Internet, including modems and possibly wireless routers. These features do vary and the security packages do differ, but most ISPs will provide some sort of protection. When searching for an ISP it is important for customers to do their homework. Customers should find a provider that will give them the most bang for their buck and provide them with, at the bare minimum, the listed features.
Customers also need to find information about their potential ISP. Find out what other customers are saying about their services and how well-equipped they are to handle customers’ needs and potential complaints. As stated above, many ISPs make slight changes to their privacy policy which can have a dramatic effect on how they operate. It is always important to read their privacy policy and find out how they use customers’ information. ISPs are required by law to keep records of online activities, but they should not hold the information indefinitely. ISPs should clearly define how they use customers’ information, who they allow to access it, and their data retention policies. Users should stay updated on their privacy policy and read any changes made to their policy. ISPs are required to disclose the changes they made to all their customers, but do not have to explicitly call or e-mail their customers. ISPs can post the information in an obscure link on their website or as a press release.
Regardless of how friendly an ISP seems, they still maintain records of all their customers and keep it in a database for future use. This is a potential security and privacy risk that has dire consequences and using a private proxy server is highly recommended in any case. This database can be hacked or sold to the highest bidder, leaving customers vulnerable to a number of issues. Many users do not realize that laws governing the Internet have many loopholes. These issues do not extend to people who use the Internet for illegal purposes, but forces upstanding citizens to live in fear of having their every move spied on by Big Brother.
While some unforeseen circumstances may arise, such as the behavioral targeting fiasco, ISPs do provide potential customers with other services aside from just a gateway to the Internet. Internet Service Providers are ultimately there to serve customers since, much like any other business, their revenues depend on the users. ISPs regularly compete for new customers, as well as repeat customers, and offer great incentives to sign with them. Customers do have options and should make an informed decision when choosing an ISP.
