Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2003
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (31 Jul 2003): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 8/1/2003 S10672-10673)
What this bill does
S. 1544, the Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2003, would require federal departments and agencies engaged in developing or using "data-mining" technology to publicly report on those activities to Congress. As defined in the bill, data-mining involves searching or analyzing electronic databases—drawn from non-federal sources or from federal information originally collected for purposes other than intelligence or law enforcement—without using a specific individual's personal identifiers, in order to detect patterns of terrorist or criminal activity. Common public databases like phone directories or judicial opinions are excluded from the definition.
Each covered agency head would have to submit a report describing the technology and data involved, planned uses and deployment timelines, likely effectiveness, expected impact on privacy and civil liberties, relevant laws and any needed legal changes, safeguards to protect privacy and ensure data accuracy, and procedures for informing individuals and letting them opt out (or explaining why no such procedures exist). Classified details would be provided separately to specified congressional committees. Reports would be due within 90 days of enactment and updated annually.
The bill affects federal agencies that use data-mining tools and, indirectly, members of the public whose information might be analyzed. It was introduced by Senator Russell Feingold on July 31, 2003, referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and did not receive a vote before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become 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 2003 - 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
31 Jul 2003
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 8/1/2003 S10672-10673)
Common questions
- What does S. 1544 do?
- S. 1544, the Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2003, would require federal departments and agencies engaged in developing or using "data-mining" technology to publicly report on those activities to Congress. As defined in the bill, data-mining involves searching or analyzing electronic databases—drawn from non-federal sources or from federal information originally collected for purposes other than intelligence or law enforcement—without using a specific individual's personal identifiers, in order to detect patterns of terrorist or criminal activity. Common public databases like phone directories or judicial opinions are excluded from the definition. Each covered agency head would have to submit a report describing the technology and data involved, planned uses and deployment timelines, likely effectiveness, expected impact on privacy and civil liberties, relevant laws and any needed legal changes, safeguards to protect privacy and ensure data accuracy, and procedures for informing individuals and letting them opt out (or explaining why no such procedures exist). Classified details would be provided separately to specified congressional committees. Reports would be due within 90 days of enactment and updated annually. The bill affects federal agencies that use data-mining tools and, indirectly, members of the public whose information might be analyzed. It was introduced by Senator Russell Feingold on July 31, 2003, referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and did not receive a vote before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 1544 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1544. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1544?
- S. 1544 was sponsored by Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] (D-WI), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1544?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 8/1/2003 S10672-10673) (31 Jul 2003).
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More bills from Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]
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