CDT Launches State Privacy Resource Center
Last week, we wrote about the importance of state governments’ role in protecting consumer privacy, particularly when the federal government fails to pass (or repeals) privacy laws.
Today, CDT launched its State Privacy Resource Center, a repository of materials to help state legislators and policymakers craft, support, and enforce effective privacy protections. The resources you will find here include a guide to defining technology-related terms, a state-by-state compendium of student privacy laws, and a discussion of the impact of digital technology on workplace privacy.
As several states grapple with how to restore the broadband privacy rules Congress repealed in March, we’ve included a number of resources specific to broadband privacy. Our broadband privacy cheat sheet gives legislators an overview of the key components of the FCC’s rules, many of which can be incorporated into state law. We’ve also corrected some misconceptions that have impeded some state broadband privacy bills.
This week, California Assemblymember Ed Chau introduced a broadband privacy bill, AB 375, modeled on the FCC rules. It would require broadband providers to get opt-in consent before using or sharing customer personal information for most purposes other than providing the broadband service. Passage of AB 375 would be an important step toward giving consumers more control over the sensitive personal information they reveal when they use the internet. California’s leadership on privacy demonstrates the importance of supporting state efforts to protect their consumers.
