Ofcoms proposals would allow customers to instruct their broadband and pay-TV providers to offer their data to any accredited third party in return for personalised recommendations, raising concerns that Google and Facebook could increase their hold on digital advertising. The watchdog also highlighted the potential to pass telecoms data to technology that can anticipate peoples behaviour and needs.
The Open Data Institute, a research organisation co-founded by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and funded by the taxpayer, which counts Google as a member, told Ofcomthat communications data was a strong indicator of peoples behaviour.
It added: Combining communications data with other information, such as social-media activity, browsing history, health data, energy use etc will establish a deep insight and will develop a picture of that person and their relationships with others.
Ofcoms plans aim to build on Open Banking regulations that allows bank account holders to share their data with third parties in exchange for access to services such as tools for managing their outgoings.
BT has told Ofcom it strongly supports more data sharing. Philip Jansen, its chief executive, has said he sees the companys future growth as dependent on embracing artificial intelligence and other data tools.
BT warned, however, that the regime could cost up to 100m, the equivalent to rolling out full-fibre broadband to 154,000 homes and businesses. It has also urged Ofcom to overhaul laws that prevent it from charging streaming service such as Googles YouTube for the heavy load they place on its network.
A study commissioned by Ofcom found that 39pc of people probably would share data about their broadband performance, while 12pc definitely would offer information about their data usage.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: Open communications could potentially support innovative new services that help customers find better deals more easily.
We have consulted on our initial thinking on this, but have not yet set out formal proposals or made any decisions. Were planning to publish an update on our work in this area this summer.
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Data grab will give Big Tech even more power, say broadband firms - Telegraph.co.uk
