PMAA Joins Others In Sending Data Privacy Letter To U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led by Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), recently held a hearing titled “Revisiting the Need for Federal Data Privacy Legislation.”
During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker argued the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the potential for privacy violations, and thus the need for uniform privacy legislation is “greater than ever.”
He also referenced the “SAFE DATA Act” (S. 4626), which is legislation he recently introduced that he believes would hold businesses accountable for their data practices and establish a nationwide privacy standard.
On the other side of the aisle, Ranking Member Cantwell spoke in favor of federal data privacy legislation, but pointed to her bill from last year, the “Consumer Online Privacy Act” (S. 2968), which she says provides “real enforcement measures” and “foundational privacy rights.” She added that she opposes other bills that have been introduced because they preempt “stronger” state laws.
In advance of the hearing, the Main Street Privacy Coalition sent a letter for the record urging lawmakers to pass a comprehensive data privacy bill with Main Street businesses in mind.
In the letter, the coalition said it is pleased that Chairman Wicker “has introduced legislation from which the Committee can work, but we would like to point out areas in which MSPC believes that the “SAFE DATA Act” would benefit from additional consideration, especially with the input of Main Street businesses that would be obligated to comply with nearly all of its provisions.”
