Two influential U.S. lawmakers have announced a breakthrough agreement on bipartisan draft legislation aimed at curbing tech companies’ data collection practices and granting consumers greater control over their personal information.
Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced a deal that would empower individuals to manage the use of their data, restrict its sale, and compel its deletion upon request.
The proposed legislation grants extensive authority to regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to oversee privacy issues and enforce compliance through robust mechanisms, including the provision for individuals to pursue legal action against violators.
In a bid to address longstanding concerns surrounding online privacy, the bill requires companies to provide transparency regarding data usage and disclose any transfers to foreign entities, particularly concerning national security risks.
While the legislation does not outlaw targeted advertising, it mandates the creation of opt-out mechanisms for consumers and imposes fines for privacy violations, applicable to both tech giants and telecommunications firms.
The bipartisan effort aims to establish a comprehensive national standard for data privacy and security, offering individuals control over their personal information while holding corporations accountable for any misuse or breaches.
