A reasonable compromise on federal data privacy should protect and promote innovation by minimizing compliance costs and restrictions on data use, as well as address concrete privacy harms, improve transparency requirements, and strengthen oversight and enforcement.

Comments Before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Regarding Data Privacy

To avoid a patchwork of conflicting state privacy laws and unnecessary costs, Congress should act swiftly to pass comprehensive federal privacy legislation that preempts states, streamlines regulation, establishes basic consumer data rights, and minimizes the impact on innovation.

Testimony to the House Administration Committee on “Big Data: Privacy Risks and Needed Reforms in the Public and Private Sectors”

Testimony to the House Administration Committee on "Big Data: Privacy Risks and Needed Reforms in the Public and Private Sectors"

Congress should establish a uniform federal standard for data-breach notification to extricate consumers from the current patchwork of different state requirements that provide uneven protection.

To Do: Establish a National Standard for Data-Breach Notification

Draft legislation on consumer privacy offer many opportunities for improvement.

One Step Forward, Five Steps Back: An Analysis of the Draft Privacy Legislation

The country needs a grand bargain on data privacy legislation that empowers consumers but also reduces regulatory burdens.

It’s Time For a New Approach to Solving America’s Data Privacy Dilemma

It's Time For a New Approach to Solving America's Data Privacy Dilemma

Data privacy legislation has been on the Congressional to-do list for years, but as more states consider their own comprehensive privacy laws and Europe’s privacy regulation approaches its fifth anniversary, the federal government continues to lag behind.

Why Congress Should Pass Data Privacy Legislation in 2022

Congress should craft federal privacy legislation that protects consumers without undermining the responsible use of data that drives innovation, supports small businesses, and fuels economic growth. A balanced approach—emphasizing clear rules, transparency, and compliance over punitive enforcement—will safeguard privacy while preserving data’s value to society.

Protect Data Without Undermining Its Value

ITIF responds to the Department of Commerce's Notice of Inquiry on the nexus between privacy policy and innovation in the Internet economy.

Data Privacy Principles for Spurring Innovation

Data privacy regulations impose significant costs on businesses and the economy. Effective, targeted federal legislation would address actual privacy harms while reducing costs that hinder productivity and innovation.

To Do: Create a National Privacy Framework

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Editors’ Recommendations

A Grand Bargain on Data Privacy Legislation for America

Related

Comments Before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Regarding Data Privacy

Testimony to the House Administration Committee on “Big Data: Privacy Risks and Needed Reforms in the Public and Private Sectors”

To Do: Establish a National Standard for Data-Breach Notification