The New American Data Privacy and Protection Act Moves Congress Closer to Agreement on Meaningful Privacy Legislation

WASHINGTON – The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is pleased to see the newest version of the bipartisan American Data Privacy and Protection Act (H.R. 8152). The bill, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Pallone (D-NJ-6) and McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5), is expected to be marked up this Wednesday at 9:45am in the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

Alexandra Reeve Givens, President and CEO of CDT, says:

“The newest version of the ADPPA is another step in the right direction. The bill continues to protect civil rights and place the privacy burden primarily on the companies collecting data instead of the consumers who so rarely have the time or desire to read lengthy, confusing, and unclear privacy policies. We appreciate the members’ ongoing efforts to negotiate an effective bill that protects consumers.

We would prefer several provisions to be stronger. The private right of action still contains many limitations that will curtail individual enforcement, and the protections against retaliating against people who exercise their privacy choices have some loopholes that should be closed. But overall, the ADPPA still sets a high bar. As the legislation moves through the House, we hope members will continue to strengthen the bill and finally secure passage of long-overdue comprehensive federal privacy protections.”

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CDT is a 27-year-old 501(c)3 nonpartisan nonprofit organization that fights to put democracy and human rights at the center of the digital revolution. It works to promote democratic values by shaping technology policy and architecture, with a focus on equity and justice.