SCOTUS Weighs FCC Fines on AT&T, Verizon

Did the FCC rightfully punish AT&T and Verizon for sharing location data or unconstitutionally bypass due process?

22 hours ago·Updated 8 hours ago

SCOTUS Weighs FCC Fines on AT&T, Verizon

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Above: An AT&T Inc store in Manhattan, New York City. Image credit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

AT&T and Verizon sold customers' sensitive location data without proper protections, and the FCC was right to fine them. The carriers don't even deny the wrongdoing — they just want to dodge accountability by gaming the legal process. Stripping the FCC of enforcement power leaves tens of millions of Americans with no real protection when telecom giants misuse their most personal data.

Democracy Forward

Narrative B

The FCC skipped the constitutionally required process by issuing massive fines without letting AT&T and Verizon contest the charges before a jury. The Seventh Amendment exists precisely to prevent government agencies from acting as judge, jury and executioner against regulated companies. Letting the FCC bypass federal court sets a dangerous precedent for unchecked regulatory power over major industries.

Manhattan Institute