On Data Privacy Day, Privacy for America Renews Commitment to Support Federal Legislation
Privacy for America, a coalition of top trade organizations and companies representing a broad cross-section of the American economy, marked Data Privacy Day by renewing its commitment to work with Congress and the Biden administration to support the enactment of comprehensive data privacy legislation this Congress.
The responsible use of data has been an essential component of American innovation, delivering enormous benefits to consumers, communities, and the economy. As Americans have increased their time online during the pandemic, they are increasingly concerned about the risks of having personal information misused and are frustrated by having to click on endless privacy notices. In the absence of federal action, California and other states have pursued a patchwork of policy approaches that protect some consumers but create confusion for businesses and consumers across state lines. This regulatory balkanization threatens to impose major burdens on the Internet and mobile ecosystems, harming consumers and stifling innovation needed for our national economic recovery. Now is the time to enact national privacy legislation that establishes greater protections for consumers, regardless of where they live, clear rules of the road for businesses, and a strong enforcement mandate and enhanced capabilities for the Federal Trade Commission.
Several bills were introduced in the last Congress by legislators in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle, running the gamut from targeted fixes to comprehensive reforms. Privacy for America developed a new framework as an option for policy makers to consider as they address this important issue. The coalition will continue its work to advance legislation and to help build the bi-partisan consensus necessary to enact a federal data privacy law.
About Data Privacy Day
Led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of Data Protection Day in Europe. Observed annually on January 28, Data Protection Day commemorates the January 28, 1981 signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. Data Privacy Day helps raise consumer awareness about privacy and promotes best practices for consumers and businesses engaged in data collection and use.