FCC Reviewing Security|of Info on Mobile Devices

WASHINGTON (CN) - The Federal Communications Commission is asking the public to comment on how mobile wireless carriers treat the privacy and security of information stored on their customers' mobile communications devices.

The FCC has not looked into the privacy or security of mobile devices since 2007 when it looked at the duty of carriers to erase customer information on refurbished devices.

Changes in technology since then have allowed carriers and others to embed or preinstall software that collects information about the performance of the device and the providers' network. Where carriers could argue in 2007 that consumers controlled the information residing on their devices, the case is much less clear today the FCC said.

Specifically, the commission wants to know if privacy and data should be greater considerations in the design of software for mobile devices and, if so, should it take any steps to encourage privacy by design.

Under Section 222 of the Communications Act, the FCC is charged with enforcing carriers' obligations to "protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of and relating to customers."

The public has until July 13 to respond to the FCC's request.

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