Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (12 Feb 2016): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
What this bill does
This bill, the Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016, would prohibit data brokers from obtaining personal information through false pretenses, such as using forged documents or making misleading statements. It defines a data broker as a commercial entity that collects and maintains personal information on individuals who are not its customers or employees, for the purpose of selling or providing access to that information to third parties. The bill also requires data brokers to establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of the personal information they collect and to provide individuals with a free way to review their data.
The legislation would affect individuals by giving them the right to dispute the accuracy of their personal information held by data brokers and to request corrections. Data brokers would also be required to offer a way for individuals to opt out of having their information used or sold for marketing purposes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have the authority to exempt certain data brokers and to create regulations to carry out the Act.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As of its introduction, its current status is "Introduced." If it were to move forward, it would require further action by the committee, potentially including hearings and votes, before it could be considered by the full House and then the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016
This bill prohibits data brokers from obtaining or causing to be disclosed personal information or any other information relating to any person by making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, including by providing any document that the broker knows or should know to: (1) be forged, counterfeit, lost, stolen, or fraudulently obtained; or (2) contain a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation.
"Data broker" is defined as a commercial entity that collects, assembles, or maintains personal information concerning an individual who is not a customer or an employee of that entity in order to sell or provide third party access to the information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may exempt certain data brokers from this Act.
Data brokers must establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of: (1) the personal information they collect, assemble, or maintain; and (2) any other information that specifically identifies an individual, unless the information only identifies an individual's name or address.
Data brokers must also provide individuals a cost-free means to review their personal or identifying information.
Individuals may dispute the accuracy of their personal information with a written request that the data broker make a correction.
With regard to disputed public record information that is available for public inspection from federal, state, or local governments, a data broker must: (1) inform the individual of the source of the information and, if reasonably available, where to direct the individual's request for correction; or (2) correct the inaccuracy in the broker's records if the individual provides proof that the public record has been corrected or that the broker was reporting the information incorrectly.
Timeline
12 Feb 2016
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4516 do?
- This bill, the Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016, would prohibit data brokers from obtaining personal information through false pretenses, such as using forged documents or making misleading statements. It defines a data broker as a commercial entity that collects and maintains personal information on individuals who are not its customers or employees, for the purpose of selling or providing access to that information to third parties. The bill also requires data brokers to establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of the personal information they collect and to provide individuals with a free way to review their data. The legislation would affect individuals by giving them the right to dispute the accuracy of their personal information held by data brokers and to request corrections. Data brokers would also be required to offer a way for individuals to opt out of having their information used or sold for marketing purposes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have the authority to exempt certain data brokers and to create regulations to carry out the Act. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As of its introduction, its current status is "Introduced." If it were to move forward, it would require further action by the committee, potentially including hearings and votes, before it could be considered by the full House and then the Senate.
- Has H.R. 4516 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4516. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4516?
- H.R. 4516 was sponsored by Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4] (D-GA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4516?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. (12 Feb 2016).
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