US internet providers must ask customers before using data, FCC says

AT&T, Verizon and other companies claim new measure, which includes browsing history, apps and location data, will hamper advertising revenue

US regulators have approved new broadband privacy rules that make internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon ask their customers' permission before using or sharing much of their data.

The move is designed to give citizens more control of their own data, but internet companies claim it will make it more difficult for them to grow their advertising businesses.