Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act of 1996
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Apr 1997): Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
What this bill does
H.R. 1287, the Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act of 1997, would prohibit "interactive computer services" — defined broadly as services providing computer access via modem or other means to the Internet or other online networks — from disclosing an individual's Social Security account number, or other personally identifiable information linked to that number, to third parties without the individual's prior informed written consent. Consent would have to be in writing, freely signed, and describe the individual's rights under the Act. Individuals could revoke consent at any time, after which the service would have to stop disclosing the information.
The bill would primarily affect internet and online service providers, which would face new restrictions on sharing users' Social Security numbers and related identifying data, and consumers, who would gain a legal right to control such disclosures. Enforcement would fall to the Federal Trade Commission, which could investigate services, issue cease-and-desist orders, and impose civil penalties on services that knowingly violate the law, using existing Federal Trade Commission Act procedures.
The bill was introduced on April 10, 1997, by Rep. Bob Franks and referred to the House Committee on Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act of 1996 (sic) - Prohibits an interactive computer service from disclosing to a third party an individual's social security account number or related personally identifiable information without the individual's prior informed written consent. Defines interactive computer service as one providing computer access to multiple users via modem or other means of telecommunication to the Internet or any other on-line network. Requires such service to permit an individual to revoke any consent at any time, upon which revocation such service shall cease disclosing such number or information to a third party. Gives the Federal Trade Commission enforcement authority under this Act.
Timeline
24 Apr 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1287 do?
- H.R. 1287, the Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act of 1997, would prohibit "interactive computer services" — defined broadly as services providing computer access via modem or other means to the Internet or other online networks — from disclosing an individual's Social Security account number, or other personally identifiable information linked to that number, to third parties without the individual's prior informed written consent. Consent would have to be in writing, freely signed, and describe the individual's rights under the Act. Individuals could revoke consent at any time, after which the service would have to stop disclosing the information. The bill would primarily affect internet and online service providers, which would face new restrictions on sharing users' Social Security numbers and related identifying data, and consumers, who would gain a legal right to control such disclosures. Enforcement would fall to the Federal Trade Commission, which could investigate services, issue cease-and-desist orders, and impose civil penalties on services that knowingly violate the law, using existing Federal Trade Commission Act procedures. The bill was introduced on April 10, 1997, by Rep. Bob Franks and referred to the House Committee on Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 105th Congress.
- Has H.R. 1287 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1287. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1287?
- H.R. 1287 was sponsored by Rep. Franks, Bob [R-NJ-7] (R-NJ), with 10 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1287?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection. (24 Apr 1997).
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Social Security On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1996
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