Published: June 2017

Consumer/privacy groups weigh in on 2017 privacy bills

Privacy and consumer rights groups comment on broadband and internet privacy bills recently introduced in the Senate and House.

Ten major consumer and privacy rights organizations, including Consumer Action, wrote to the leadership of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee to comment on the issue of digital privacy and to weigh in on pending legislation. The groups noted that privacy is a fundamental right of all Americans, including our most vulnerable. The groups believe that any federal privacy law should constitute a floor, not a ceiling, and allow states to innovate additional protections. Rulemaking authority, enforcement and oversight must be strengthened and multifaceted in order to properly address different situations and contexts. Any new laws should not take authority away from agencies that already have the expertise and enforcement ability. And privacy should not be a luxury good, reserved for only those who can afford to pay. (Click here to read the letter.)

Other Organizations

Center for Digital Democracy | Center for Media Justice Common Sense Kids Action | Consumer Federation of America | Consumer Federation of California Consumer Watchdog | Media Alliance | Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | U.S. PIRG

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Consumer/privacy groups weigh in on 2017 privacy bills   (consumer_privacy-letter_6-30-17.pdf)