Today, Public Knowledge joined nearly 50 other public interest, consumer advocacy, and civil rights groups in a letter urging Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to move the “American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA)” to a vote by the full House of Representatives. The groups contend that this comprehensive federal privacy and civil rights legislation will create “real and lasting protections” for millions of Americans, shielding their personal data like never before.
The following is an excerpt from the letter:
“The American Data Privacy and Protection Act strengthens civil rights and privacy protections nationwide. To accomplish these sweeping advancements and bring relief to millions today, we understand that some compromise is necessary. ADPPA has limited preemption of state privacy laws that cover the same issues as ADPPA. It does not preempt state civil rights laws, consumer protection laws of general applicability, or laws related to student or employee privacy, health privacy, financial privacy, social security numbers, facial recognition, electronic surveillance, encryption, or several other categories.
“We commend California and other states for leading the way in establishing state-level privacy protections, such as the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). ADPPA builds on the success of CPRA, raising data protections for Californians and the rest of the country. For example, ADPPA includes civil rights protections, algorithmic bias testing, limits on targeted advertising to kids, and a private right of action – none of which are present in California or other state privacy laws.
“We will continue to work to improve the bill as it moves to the floor and concerns are considered, however we strongly believe that [this bill] will provide long overdue and much needed protections for individuals and communities. The bill is a meaningful compromise that has bipartisan support. Congress has the opportunity to act now to protect people’s data – and thus their privacy and civil rights.”
You may view the letter for more information.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.