Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2004
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 May 2004): Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census.
What this bill does
The Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2004, if enacted, would require the heads of federal departments and agencies to report annually to Congress on their use and development of data-mining technology. Data-mining, as defined by the bill, involves analyzing electronic databases, including those from non-federal sources or acquired for non-intelligence/law enforcement purposes, to find patterns related to terrorist or criminal activity, without using specific individuals' personal identifiers.
These reports would cover described technologies, data usage plans, and assessments of the technology's effectiveness, as well as its potential impact on privacy and civil liberties. The reports would also detail applicable laws, modifications needed, policies to protect privacy and ensure accuracy, and procedures for informing individuals about the use of their personal information. Classified information would be submitted separately.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2004 and referred to the Committee on Government Reform. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress or signed into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2004 - Requires the head of each Federal department or agency that is engaged in any activity to use or develop data-mining technology to report annually to Congress on all such activities.
Defines "data-mining" as a query, search, or other analysis of one or more electronic databases, where: (1) at least one of the databases was obtained from or remains under the control of a non-Federal entity, or the information was acquired initially by another Federal department or agency for purposes other than intelligence or law enforcement; (2) the search does not use a specific individual's personal identifiers to acquire information concerning that individual; and (3) a Federal department or agency is conducting the query, search, or other analysis to find a pattern indicating terrorist or other criminal activity.
Mandates annual updates, including any new data-mining technologies.
Timeline
21 May 2004
Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4290 do?
- The Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2004, if enacted, would require the heads of federal departments and agencies to report annually to Congress on their use and development of data-mining technology. Data-mining, as defined by the bill, involves analyzing electronic databases, including those from non-federal sources or acquired for non-intelligence/law enforcement purposes, to find patterns related to terrorist or criminal activity, without using specific individuals' personal identifiers. These reports would cover described technologies, data usage plans, and assessments of the technology's effectiveness, as well as its potential impact on privacy and civil liberties. The reports would also detail applicable laws, modifications needed, policies to protect privacy and ensure accuracy, and procedures for informing individuals about the use of their personal information. Classified information would be submitted separately. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2004 and referred to the Committee on Government Reform. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by either chamber of Congress or signed into law.
- Has H.R. 4290 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4290. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4290?
- H.R. 4290 was sponsored by Rep. McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7] (D-WA), with 14 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4290?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census. (21 May 2004).
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