Anti-Spyware, Privacy Bills Introduced

February 10, 2007

Senators Patrick Leahy, (D-Vermont) and Bernie Sanders, (I-Vermont) introduced the Personal Data Privacy and Security Act this week.

If enacted into statute, the bill would require data brokers to disclose personally identifiable information they have on specific individuals. Additionally, companies with information on more than 10,000 Americans would be required to initiate data security and privacy programs.

In a similar vein, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) and Cliff Stearns, (R-Florida) introduced the Data Accountability and Trust Act this week. The measure, which has 24 co-sponsors, directs the Federal Trade Commission to formulate data privacy requirements for businesses. The right of individuals to revise incorrect information would be mandated. Obsolete data disposal and vulnerability assessment criteria also would be part of these statutory requirements.