AT&T Penalized For Data Breaches And Privacy Invasions

AT&T is fined with $25,000,000 for violating the privacy of its customers.

The management of the American telecommunications company, AT&T, has suffered from a huge setback, as it has been fined. AT&T news reported that the Federal Communication Commission has penalized the company of $25,000,000 fine for breaching its customers’ data at call centers in a number of countries, including Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico. The commission’s decision also requires the firm to serve the affected customers with credit monitoring and notifications. These breaches have adversely affected its customers, as their confidential information is disclosed, which includes their names and social security numbers.

The customers need to be careful now, as the revealed details could be employed against them. An official of the commission stated that the breaches have affected approximately 280,000 U.S customers. The employees of the company invaded the data privacy and used the disclosed data to access handset-unlock codes for its phones.

Officials of AT&T have stated that they are interested in amending their policies and improving their operations. This statement explains that the management of the firm is interested in serving its customers. An official of the American regulator informed that the imposed penalty represents the strictest action taken by the commission, as it is interested in safeguarding consumer rights. The FCC has maintained a record of penalizing companies for data breaches, as it had imposed a $10,000,000 fine on telecommunication firms – Terra Com and YourTel.

The commission had conducted an investigation into the controversial disclosure of customers’ details at the telecommunications firm’s call centers in Mexico. This investigation was followed by the news report that breaches had also taken place in Philippines and Colombia. This proves to be troublesome to the customers who relied and trusted the telecom giant.

AT&T breaking news affirms that in the territories of Columbia and Mexico, 40 employees were able to gather confidential information about 211,000 customers. This report is adequate to elaborate that a small number of employees can affect a large number of people. The probe report revealed that third parties funded a number of call center employees to gather customer information.

The investigators have stated that in Mexico, 68,000 customers have suffered from the controversial information disclosure. AT&T news today highlights that the commission has also asked the company to improve its safety standards and employ a compliance officer. Now it is yet to be seen that to what extent this decision is able to play its role in improving the security and safety procedures of the American telecommunications giant.