U.S. Consumer Groups Say Proposed Privacy Bill is Flawed

The House subcommittee on communications, technology and the Internet recently released a draft Congressional bill that would regulate online and off-line privacy. The proposed bill would expand on the types of information that would be considered confidential. In so doing, it would require companies to post clear and understandable privacy notices when they collect information of a personal nature. Such information could include a user’s health or financial data, a user’s race or sexual orientation, the user’s precise location, or even an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Under the proposed bill, companies would be required to alert consumers whenever any information the companies are collecting can identify a single person or a single computer or device. The proposed bill also requires companies to advise consumers if information is being collected offline.

The vice president for public policy for the trade group, Interactive Advertising Bureau, believes the proposed bill is “overly broad”. On the other hand, privacy advocates are generally disappointed with the proposed bill, as the proposed bill relied on the use of a privacy policy, which they believe few site visitors actually read.

For additional information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/2bhlxxt

Volume VIII

U.S. Consumer Groups Say Proposed Privacy Bill is Flawed