A key Congressional Committee is initiating an inquiry into the privacy concerns raised by the data collection practices of Internet network operators who tailor Internet advertising based on a consumer’s Web surfing activity. Leaders of the Committee on Energy and Commerce wrote today to top cable, phone and Internet companies asking that the companies provide information about their data collection practices.

The letter was signed by Reps. John D. Dingell (D-MI) and Joe Barton (R-TX), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Reps. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee.

Earlier this month, Dingell and Markey wrote to Embarq Corporation regarding a test the company had performed to tailor advertising to consumers’ web browsing habits. On July 17, the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee held a hearing on deep packet inspection and the privacy issues implicated by the technology.

From the archive:

Congressman Markey,

While I'm not one of your constituents, your statements and actions often have an impact that reaches beyond your district. Yesterday you were quoted in several news media outlets as having called for the arrest of Christopher Soghoian, a PHD candidate at the University of Indiana Bloomington, because he created a web page that generates phoney airline boarding passes. As you are likely aware, your call was answered by the FBI who reportedly broke into Soghoian's house last night and seized all of his computer equipment.

...

I strongly urge you to reconsider your position on this matter. The current course of action is not in the best interests of this country.