For months, I have been working with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee – Republicans and Democrats – to draft the bipartisan American Data Privacy and Protection Act, which would establish national data privacy protections for all Americans, no matter where they live. This historic legislation includes the strongest protections to date in the U.S., and will finally minimize the amount of Americans’ information companies are allowed to collect, process, and transfer. 

So, what does a national privacy standard mean for you?

First, it stops Big Tech from tracking your life without consent by requiring companies to only use and keep information they need, while encouraging them to take steps to better secure and delete data that is retained. On top of that, our national standard would require companies to give people the choice of turning off targeted advertising to prevent Big Tech from building profiles on Americans that can be used against them for profit and exploitation.

It also protects children online by designating all information related to individuals under 17 as “sensitive” data. This is so important in our efforts to discourage Big Tech from freely collecting children’s data that currently enables their dangerous algorithms to prioritize harmful content. Under our solution, companies will face real consequences if they track our kids’ data or use that information to exploit them for profit.

Finally, this bill also protects small businesses and encourages innovation. Businesses, especially smaller businesses, cannot afford high compliance costs associated with a patchwork of state laws and ineffective regulations. It is an unfair advantage for Big Tech companies that are better equipped to handle a patchwork regulatory regime. Our standard would unleash the power of small businesses and entrepreneurs—the true engines of America’s economy. 

The bottom line is: This legislation will rein in Big Tech’s power and establish clear, robust protections for people, especially children. We are one step closer than Congress has ever come to establish national privacy and data security protections.

CLICK HERE to read the bill.