Overview
An Act To Protect the Privacy of Online Customer Information was enacted by the Maine Legislature to protect broadband Internet access service customers in the state. The act requires providers to obtain express, affirmative customer consent before using, disclosing, selling or granting access to customer personal information, such as browsing history, billing information, or geolocation data. It prohibits providers from refusing service or penalizing customers based on their consent decisions. The law lays out certain exceptions for lawful uses, including compliance with court orders, emergency services, and billing purposes. Providers must implement reasonable security measures tailored to the sensitivity and scope of the data they handle, and clear notices must be provided at the point of sale and on websites regarding customer rights and provider obligations. The act is applicable to broadband providers operating in Maine and serving customers physically located and billed within the state.