U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) chaired a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing to discuss the need for a national data privacy framework. The hearing focused on protecting Americans’ personal information across state lines, empowering consumers, and promoting responsible innovation.
During her opening remarks, Senator Blackburn stated: “The absence of a comprehensive national data privacy framework has left millions of Americans vulnerable… For years now, I have been clear we need a national privacy standard that is comprehensive and enforceable. One that empowers consumers, promotes innovation and ensures accountability. It should prioritize transparency, minimize data collection and provide meaningful consent, not just a box to check.”
Senator Blackburn emphasized the urgency for legislative action: “It is past time for Congress to take up this issue, to take action to pass a bill and see that bill signed into law. We should also acknowledge how closely this issue is tied to the safety of our children online. Senator Blumenthal and I have worked diligently on the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require platforms to design their product for children’s well-being in mind, not just for their bottom line. We’ve seen time and again how data driven algorithms target kids with addictive content and expose them to harmful material. Business models that profit from children’s vulnerabilities must be reined in. It is absolutely disgusting that our children are the product when they are online. And through the Open App Market Act that I introduced with Senator Klobuchar, I have worked to increase competition and consumer choice in the digital marketplace. Whether it’s protecting your personal data, your right to download the apps you want, or your ability to access services, the common thread is this: users, not tech giants, should be in control of the individual user’s life.”
Blackburn highlighted ongoing bipartisan efforts such as collaboration with Senator Blumenthal on child online safety legislation as well as work with Senator Klobuchar on digital marketplace reforms.
