Can ISPs See What You Are Downloading?

There are many ISPs, but most don't bother the average subscriber.

Internet service providers are the gateway into the Internet. However, there have been concerns that they can view what you do on the Web. Although it is possible for them to see what you do, it is unlikely that they are spying.

Net Neutrality

Net neutrality refers to the desire to keep the Internet open to users and without restrictive government policies. Most ISPs support Net neutrality, often without stating so and despite requests from agencies that want ISPs to police for illegal file sharing, which possibly limits options for legal users.

Information Usage

Most ISPs do not actively monitor your information. Although the ISP has the ability to see what you are downloading, it will usually leave you alone unless it receives a complaint from an outside website or company. ISPs are mainly on the lookout for excessive bandwidth usage, which is costly to them and may indicate illegal online activities.

References

• About Identity Theft: Who Can See What You Look at on the Internet?
• Wired: Which ISPs Are Spying on You?
• "Computerworld": RIAA tells FCC: ISPs need to be copyright cops