Concord Privacy News: 3/14/23

U.S. House Energy and Commerce Hearing on Enhancing Privacy Protections for Americans

The Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee held a hearing regarding data privacy on March 1, 2023. At the hearing, titled ****“Promoting U.S. Innovation and Individual Liberty through a National Standard for Data Privacy,” committee members discussed enhancing Americans’ privacy and data security protections, strengthening online safety, and boosting American innovation. On the heels of the failed American Data Privacy and Protection Act, this hearing may come as welcome news for advocates of tighter privacy laws in the U.S.

Commerce Committee Chair Cathy Rodgers (R-WA), Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) issued the following statement:

“The Energy and Commerce Committee is continuing to lead on creating a national data privacy standard that will minimize the amount of Americans’ information companies are allowed to collect, process, and transfer. It is the strongest way to promote innovation, put individuals in charge of their data, and protect children online. This hearing in the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee will focus on how a comprehensive national privacy standard will ensure America’s technological leadership and protect people’s information, especially our children’s, from misuse by Big Tech and access by the Chinese Communist Party.

“In the last Congress, with the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, we moved a national data privacy standard further than anyone ever had, and we are committed to getting a strong national standard across the finish line. More than 80 percent of Americans support the key pillars of our legislation. No matter where they live or travel, they deserve certainty that their privacy and information is protected.”

The agenda and recording of the public hearing is available here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/innovation-data-and-commerce-subcommittee-hearing-promoting-u-s-innovation-and-individual-liberty-through-a-national-standard-for-data-privacy.

Other Privacy News of Note

Deputy Attorney General Warns Against Using TikTok, Citing Data Privacy

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on Thursday warned against using TikTok, citing data security issues raised about the China-owned app. "I don't use TikTok and I would not advise anybody to do so because of these concerns," Monaco said at a panel on technology and national security at the Chatham House in London. Read more.

ChatGPT is a Data Privacy Nightmare, and We Ought to be Concerned

ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. Within two months of its release it reached 100 million active users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application ever launched. Users are attracted to the tool’s advanced capabilities—and concerned by its potential to cause disruption in various sectors. A much less discussed implication is the privacy risks ChatGPT poses to each and every one of us. Read more.