BROWSER Act of 2017
Latest action (18 May 2017): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2520, the BROWSER Act of 2017, would establish federal privacy rules for internet service providers and "edge services" such as online accounts, search functions, or apps that collect sensitive information. Providers would have to give users clear, conspicuous, and persistently available notice of their privacy policies, plus advance notice of material changes. Providers would need opt-in consent before using, disclosing, or sharing "sensitive" information (such as financial, health, children's, Social Security, precise location, communications content, or browsing history data), while non-sensitive information would require only opt-out consent, with exceptions for operating the service, billing, fraud prevention, legal compliance, and emergencies. Providers could not condition service on a user waiving these privacy rights.
The bill would affect internet users, broadband providers, and online services or apps that require accounts, involve purchases, use search functions, or collect sensitive data. It would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and would preempt state privacy laws covering these services while limiting overlapping Federal Communications Commission authority except for emergency-services rules.
The bill was introduced in the House on May 18, 2017, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. According to the official summary, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in that Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Balancing the Rights Of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly Act of 2017 or the BROWSER Act of 2017
This bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce information privacy protections that require broadband Internet access services and certain websites or mobile applications providing subscription, account, purchase, or search engine services to allow users to opt-in or opt-out of the use, disclosure, or access to their user information depending on the sensitivity of the information.
Opt-in approval through the user's express consent must be obtained for the use of sensitive information that is:
• financial information,
• health information,
• about children under 13,
• Social Security numbers,
• precise geo-location information,
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2520 do?
- H.R. 2520, the BROWSER Act of 2017, would establish federal privacy rules for internet service providers and "edge services" such as online accounts, search functions, or apps that collect sensitive information. Providers would have to give users clear, conspicuous, and persistently available notice of their privacy policies, plus advance notice of material changes. Providers would need opt-in consent before using, disclosing, or sharing "sensitive" information (such as financial, health, children's, Social Security, precise location, communications content, or browsing history data), while non-sensitive information would require only opt-out consent, with exceptions for operating the service, billing, fraud prevention, legal compliance, and emergencies. Providers could not condition service on a user waiving these privacy rights. The bill would affect internet users, broadband providers, and online services or apps that require accounts, involve purchases, use search functions, or collect sensitive data. It would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and would preempt state privacy laws covering these services while limiting overlapping Federal Communications Commission authority except for emergency-services rules. The bill was introduced in the House on May 18, 2017, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. According to the official summary, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in that Congress.
- Has H.R. 2520 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 May 2017, H.R. 2520 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2520?
- H.R. 2520 was sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn [R-TN] (Republican-TN), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2520?
- Introduced (18 May 2017).
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