Schatz, 14 Other Senate Democrats Introduce Data Privacy Bill

Brian Schatz, Hawaii, and 14 other Democratic senators introduced a bill Wednesday that would set parameters for companies collecting data online. The Data Care Act would require “reasonable efforts” to secure data and notify users of breaches, prohibit companies from using data to “harm” users and set confidentiality guidelines for third-party sharing of data. It would give the FTC limited rulemaking and civil penalty authority. Schatz told reporters Wednesday his office discussed the bill with Internet Association, with some IA members voicing displeasure for the content, and with Republican lawmakers. The tech industry looks forward to working with lawmakers including Schatz on "our shared goal of passing an economy-wide law that protects consumer privacy and allows companies to innovate," said IA CEO Michael Beckerman. The bill will “complement,” not compete with, any overarching bill produced by the Senate Commerce Committee, he said. Having state privacy laws bolsters Democrats’ bargaining position, he added, saying he has no problem with a state patchwork if the ultimate privacy package isn't a progressive law like California’s. He noted the bill isn't one of the items under consideration by a bipartisan working group that includes Schatz, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., likely Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.