WATCH: FCC Data Privacy Enforcement Shuts Down Major ISP Over Secret Sale of Browsing Habits to Third Parties—Are You Affected?
A viral TikTok video claiming that the Federal Communications Commission's new data privacy enforcement action has forced a major internet service provider to halt operations is partially false. While the FCC has indeed ramped up data privacy enforcement under its Restoring Internet Freedom framework, the agency has not shut down any major ISP. The video misleads by suggesting a nationwide shutdown; in reality, the FCC recently proposed a $5 million fine against a smaller regional provider for allegedly sharing customers' browsing data without consent—and no service has been suspended. The real story: The FCC is investigating several companies for violations of Section 222 of the Communications Act, which protects customer proprietary network information. However, the claim that "millions of users just lost internet access" is fake. Always verify with official FCC press releases before sharing.