Democratic Senators Introduce Data Security Legislation

Before the end of the 115th Congress, 15 Democratic senators, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Data Care Act, which would require those offering websites and apps, and other online providers, to take steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users’ data.

The bill would require prompt notification of individuals affected by data breaches; prohibit the use of individual identifying data in ways that harm users; and ensure that data protection duties extend to third parties. It would grant the FTC rule-making authority.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit digital rights group Center for Democracy & Technology has drafted a model for a broad national privacy bill, which proposes to set limits on the use, collection and sharing of personal information and also aims to provide individual rights to access, correct, delete and port data.