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The bill requires companies like Alphabet’s Google and Meta’s Facebook, among a long list of others, to collect only the personal data necessary to provide services.
The bill requires companies like Alphabet’s Google and Meta’s Facebook, among a long list of others, to collect only the personal data necessary to provide services.
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bipartisan online privacy bill aimed at limiting the collection of personal data, though doubts remain over whether it will become law.
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The bill would require companies like Alphabet’s Google and Meta’s Facebook, among a long list of others, to collect only the personal data necessary to provide services. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers will get even more protection.
The measure easily passed the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee vote. Now it goes to the full committee.
Previous attempts to pass privacy legislation have been blocked by opposition from technology companies that provide free services that use consumer data for advertising. Much of the debate surrounding these bills has centered on whether federal law would prevail over state laws, which are sometimes stronger, or whether individuals would be allowed to sue for privacy violations.
The fate of the bill is uncertain, given that it has been criticized by influential Democrats in the Senate, including Sen. Maria Cantwell, who does not believe the bill is sufficiently enforced.
The lead sponsors are Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, along with Rep. Jan Schakowsky, both Democrats, and Republican Reps. Cathy McMorris Rogers and Gus Bilirakis.
“Today’s markup is another milestone toward our ultimate goal of passing meaningful national privacy legislation,” Pallone said.
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