(NewsNation) — Two lawmakers are seeking to strengthen online data privacy protections to curb tech companies' ability to collect and use the personal data of millions of Americans.
What is the US Privacy Rights Act?
The U.S. Privacy Rights Act establishes national consumer data privacy rights, sets standards for data security, and gives Americans control over their personal data online, including how it is used and where it is sent. It is something to do.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, co-sponsor of the bill and chair of the House Commerce Committee, told NewsNation that the purpose of the bicameral and bilateral bill is to avoid harmful data breaches and protect consumers. said the goal is to prevent their personal data from being sold.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.
The bill would minimize the amount of data companies can collect and for the first time allow Americans to sue when their privacy rights are violated online.
Why is this law introduced?
Rogers and Cantwell argue that the law is needed to prevent Americans' personal online data from being shared and sold without their knowledge.
“This is important to all Americans, but especially to children. Too many people, especially our children, are being targeted, predicted and manipulated for dangerous purposes. Because we know, parents are asking Congress to take action,'' Rogers said.
The bill holds companies accountable and establishes strong data security obligations, including requiring security standards to prevent data from being hacked or stolen and to ensure people know when their data has been transferred to a foreign adversary. I will do it.
If passed, the bill would require tech companies to individually ask citizens for permission to use the data they collect online.
“The amount of data that can be collected is limited to begin with. Sensitive data such as your location data, search engine history, and personal information that identifies you will require your permission before collecting data about you. There will be,” Rogers said. “It puts the individual back in control.”