GOP State Senator Says Michigan Should Protect Internet Privacy if Feds Won’t

“I believe the Michigan people don’t want to be spied on, and they don’t want their information sold,” said Sen. Jones.

State Capitol Dome March 2017

A Republican state lawmaker says Michigan should step in to protect people’s internet privacy. That’s after the federal government made it easier for internet service providers to store and sell customers’ search information.

State Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) says the bills are in the process of being drafted.

“I believe the Michigan people don’t want to be spied on, and they don’t want their information sold,” said Jones. 

“I believe the state has the power to say to a company, if you’re going to provide internet service in the state of Michigan, you will not sell information unless the person agrees to it.”  

Jones says the legislation would apply to internet service providers, search engines, and social media sites. But he says the state cannot stop companies from denying service to customers who won’t agree to allow their information to be sold. 

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