Lawmakers from House, Senate unveil bipartisan online privacy bill

Two key lawmakers, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, introduced the bipartisan American Privacy Rights Act Sunday, April 7, aiming to set “clear, national data privacy rights and protections for Americans.” The proposed legislation seeks to limit how companies can utilize personal information, enable individuals to opt out of targeted advertising, and provide a legal avenue for people to sue those who breach their privacy.

“A federal data privacy law must do two things: it must make privacy a consumer right, and it must give consumers the ability to enforce that right,” said Cantwell. “Working in partnership with Representative McMorris Rodgers, our bill does just that. This bipartisan agreement is the protections Americans deserve in the Information Age.” 

“This bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to establish a national data privacy and security standard that gives people the right to control their personal information,” a joint statement read.

If enacted, the bill would create a national privacy standard, surpassing any existing state laws, and give Americans enhanced control over their personal data, including the ability to prevent companies from distributing or selling their information.

Cantwell emphasized that the bill aims to empower Americans over their own information and curb Big Tech’s exploitation of user data for profit.

Currently a draft, the bill has not been formally introduced in Congress.