Online Privacy Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Jul 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
What this bill does
H.R. 3175, the Online Privacy Act, would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new privacy rules for companies providing telecommunications services, including broadband internet and internet phone services. These rules would mandate that these companies inform customers about how their personal information, such as browsing history, location, and content of communications, is collected, used, and shared.
Under the bill, companies would need to get explicit consent, known as "opt-in approval," before using or sharing sensitive customer data, which includes financial and health information, details about children, Social Security numbers, and precise location data. The bill also states that companies cannot refuse service to customers who do not consent to the use of their data for commercial purposes and must develop data security practices and notify customers in case of a security breach.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2017 by Representative Keith Ellison and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill's status is currently "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed further in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Online Privacy Act
This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate customer privacy regulations that require telecommunications services, broadband Internet access services, and interconnected VoIP (internet phone) services to:
• notify a customer about the collection, use, and sharing of customer proprietary information that is individually identifiable customer proprietary network information, personally identifiable information, or the content of communications;
• obtain opt-in approval from a customer to use and share sensitive customer proprietary information about financial or health information, children, Social Security numbers, precise geolocation, content of communications, call detail information, web browsing or application usage history, or other customary proprietary information that the FCC determines to be sensitive;
• not refuse to serve a customer who does not consent to the use and sharing of customer proprietary information for commercial purposes under a "take-it-or-leave-it" offer;
• develop data security practices; and
• notify customers of security breaches.
The FCC must also implement strong protection for de-identified customary proprietary information to prevent re-identifying such information.
Timeline
14 Jul 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3175 do?
- H.R. 3175, the Online Privacy Act, would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new privacy rules for companies providing telecommunications services, including broadband internet and internet phone services. These rules would mandate that these companies inform customers about how their personal information, such as browsing history, location, and content of communications, is collected, used, and shared. Under the bill, companies would need to get explicit consent, known as "opt-in approval," before using or sharing sensitive customer data, which includes financial and health information, details about children, Social Security numbers, and precise location data. The bill also states that companies cannot refuse service to customers who do not consent to the use of their data for commercial purposes and must develop data security practices and notify customers in case of a security breach. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2017 by Representative Keith Ellison and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill's status is currently "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed further in the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 3175 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3175. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3175?
- H.R. 3175 was sponsored by Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5] (D-MN), with 10 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3175?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. (14 Jul 2017).
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