In the News

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wa, introduced new federal privacy legislation, warning that efforts by states to enact their own privacy laws threaten to deepen the country’s privacy predicament.

Among other provisions, the bill would require companies to let consumers know when their personal information is shared, and with whom, with the goal of increasing overall transparency.

DelBene has championed the cause repeatedly with past attempts to pass federal privacy legislation. She acknowledged that it won’t be easy this time, either, but said it’s more critical than ever.

The emerging “patchwork” of state laws will become increasingly difficult for consumers and companies to to navigate, DelBene said in a briefing with reporters prior to introducing the bill. Washington state, where DelBene represents the 1st Congressional District, is among those considering its own privacy law. California’s privacy law took effect last year. Europe’s privacy law took effect in 2018.

The new Information Transparency and Personal Data Control Act, introduced by DelBene on Thursday morning, includes a preemption clause that would override conflicting state privacy laws.

“Having a federal policy is important to have a consistent policy,” DelBene said. “But it’s also important because, if we’re going to help set global standards, we have to have a domestic policy, and in the absence of domestic policy, it’s unclear what we’re striving for internationally.”