What’s Next for Privacy in Congress?
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This week, Congress gave its final approval to a bill that repealed a data privacy rule issued by the Obama administration that prevents internet service providers from collecting users’ data — such as web searches or the content of communications — without the user opting in. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule will be formally overturned as soon as it’s signed by President Donald Trump, its enactment will mark a new beginning in the debate around privacy in Congress rather than its conclusion.
While Congress hasn’t announced its next move on privacy legislation, we’ve profiled four privacy-related bills that have already been introduced below:
Email Privacy Act: This bill would require law enforcement officials to get a warrant before searching your email. It’s already cleared its first hurdle in Congress — the House passed it by voice vote in February — but so far the Senate hasn’t indicated if or when it will consider Rep. Kevin Yoder’s (R-KS) bill. (H.R. 387)
Cyber Privacy Fortification Act: Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced this bill to establish federal penalties that don’t let their customers know that their personally identifiable information has been breached or alert the Secret Service and FBI. (H.R. 135)
Cell Location Privacy Act: This bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), would place limits on the warrantless use of cell site simulators (or "stingrays") used by law enforcement to collect a cell phone user’s data by imitating a cell tower. (H.R. 1061)
GPS Act: Sen. Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) bill would impose limits on the collection of a person’s geolocation data without a warrant. Violations would be punishable by a fine and up to five years imprisonment, or both. Rep. Chaffetz introduced a companion bill in the House. (S. 395)
Tell your reps whether you support or oppose these bills using the "Take Action" button.
— Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Zach Rudisin / Creative Commons)
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