New data breach notification rules have been proposed by the Federal Communications Commission. The goal is to strengthen the rules for notifying customers and federal law enforcement of breaches of customer proprietary network information (CPNI).

Data breaches in recent years have left consumers wondering how best to protect themselves and the data shared with effected companies. The commission will look to better align its rules with recent developments in federal and state data breach laws covering other sectors.

The FCC proposes eliminating the current seven business day mandatory waiting period for notifying customers of a breach. The FCC also proposes clarifying its rules to require consumer notification by carriers of inadvertent breaches and requiring notification of all reportable breaches to the FCC, FBI and U.S. Secret Service.