HB 1842 - DIGEST

     Provides that a cable operator shall not collect personally identifiable information concerning any subscriber without the prior written or electronic consent of the subscriber concerned, unless the information is necessary to provide requested cable service to the subscriber.  A cable operator shall not observe or record, or allow any third party to observe or record, the viewing habits or communications of subscribers over the cable system except:

     (1) For collecting personally identifiable information necessary to render, or conduct a legitimate business activity related to, a cable service provided by the cable operator; or

     (2) To detect unauthorized reception of cable communications.

     Provides that a subscriber whose personally identifiable information is collected or disclosed in violation of this act may collect damages of one thousand dollars, or actual damages, whichever is greater.