Bipartisan legislation would ban data brokers from selling people’s sensitive personal data to China and other foreign adversaries
Washington DC — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) introduced HR 7520. Laws that protect Americans’ data from foreign adversaries, today. Committee leaders’ bipartisan bill would prohibit data brokers from profiting from selling U.S. data, particularly that of U.S. military personnel, to foreign adversaries or entities controlled by foreign adversaries. It protects sensitive personal data of Americans.
“Ensuring the security of American citizens’ sensitive personal information, especially that of service members and non-military personnel, is more important than ever to both individuals and national security.” Said Rogers and Pallone. “Continuing our efforts to develop comprehensive data privacy and security legislation, this bill would prevent data brokers from selling Americans’ sensitive personal information to foreign adversaries. It addresses pressing security vulnerabilities.
“We know that our adversaries and the organizations they control can take advantage of existing opportunities to purchase a trove of data about Americans. We must stop allowing data brokers to freely sell sensitive information, including private information, to foreign adversaries. We look forward to working together to advance this bill to protect and strengthen national security.” Rogers and Pallone concluded that.
The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission enforcement authority and the authority to seek civil penalties of $50,000 or more for any violation of this prohibition by a data broker.
Invoice text is available here.
