House Lawmakers Optimistic About Passing Comprehensive Privacy Legislation

Congress Renews Push for Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation

Lawmakers Optimistic About Passing Strong Nationwide Protections

In a recent hearing held by the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on innovation, data, and commerce (IDC), House lawmakers expressed renewed determination to pass comprehensive data privacy legislation. The discussion draft for the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) has reignited hopes for establishing robust online privacy safeguards for all internet users.

Addressing Children’s Online Safety and Privacy

Alongside the push for comprehensive privacy reform, lawmakers also discussed proposals aimed at protecting children online, such as the Kids Online Safety Act and COPPA 2.0. These bills seek to update and expand protections for minors in the digital age, addressing issues like targeted advertising and privacy by design.

Bipartisan Support and Optimism

Committee leaders from both parties expressed optimism about the prospects of passing strong privacy protections. IDC subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) passionately stated:

“I’m fired up. We’ve got to get this done.”

Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) echoed this sentiment, although he noted areas where he believed the proposal could be strengthened, such as prohibiting targeted ads to children and establishing a youth privacy division at the Federal Trade Commission.

Potential Obstacles and Opposition

Despite the optimism, potential hurdles remain. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) has indicated opposition to certain aspects of the proposal, citing concerns about empowering trial lawyers, imposing regulatory costs on competitors, and granting the FTC unprecedented power over internet speech and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compliance.

Recognition of the Urgent Need for Action

IDC subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) emphasized the growing recognition among lawmakers that the consequences of inaction are becoming more severe:

“I think there’s this recognition that things are getting worse, and that they can still get worse.”

Schakowsky noted that without federal legislation, more states will pass their own privacy bills, leading to a patchwork of regulations. Additionally, the United States risks falling behind other countries in protecting consumer privacy.

Overcoming Disagreements and Lobbying Efforts

While acknowledging disagreements on specific aspects of the draft, Schakowsky believes that the urgent need for privacy legislation will outweigh these differences. She also downplayed concerns about opposition from California lawmakers and the influence of tech lobbying, stating that people are fed up with Big Tech’s unchecked power over their lives.

As the push for comprehensive data privacy legislation gains momentum, lawmakers appear more determined than ever to overcome obstacles and deliver strong protections for American internet users.