Online Privacy Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Dec 2019): Referred to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law.
What this bill does
H.R. 4978, the Online Privacy Act of 2019, would establish new privacy rights for individuals regarding their personal information online. It would grant people rights such as accessing, correcting, and deleting their personal data, and would impose privacy and security requirements on entities that collect, process, or maintain such information. The bill also proposes the creation of a new government agency, the U.S. Digital Privacy Agency, to oversee and enforce these provisions.
The bill would affect individuals by giving them more control over their online personal information, including the contents of their communications. It would also impact businesses and online service providers that handle personal data, requiring them to implement specific privacy and security measures and to comply with new rules regarding data collection, processing, and disclosure. Certain exemptions are outlined, including for entities engaged in journalism, provided certain conditions are met.
As of its introduction in November 2019, H.R. 4978 was referred to committees in the House of Representatives. The bill has not progressed beyond its initial introduction stage in the 116th Congress. If it were to move forward, it would need to be considered and passed by the relevant committees, then by the full House, and subsequently by the Senate, before being sent to the President for signature or veto.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Online Privacy Act of 2019
This bill establishes certain online privacy rights for personal information (including contents of communications) and certain requirements for data processors, service providers, and third parties. The bill also establishes the U.S. Digital Privacy Agency.
Timeline
18 Dec 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4978 do?
- H.R. 4978, the Online Privacy Act of 2019, would establish new privacy rights for individuals regarding their personal information online. It would grant people rights such as accessing, correcting, and deleting their personal data, and would impose privacy and security requirements on entities that collect, process, or maintain such information. The bill also proposes the creation of a new government agency, the U.S. Digital Privacy Agency, to oversee and enforce these provisions. The bill would affect individuals by giving them more control over their online personal information, including the contents of their communications. It would also impact businesses and online service providers that handle personal data, requiring them to implement specific privacy and security measures and to comply with new rules regarding data collection, processing, and disclosure. Certain exemptions are outlined, including for entities engaged in journalism, provided certain conditions are met. As of its introduction in November 2019, H.R. 4978 was referred to committees in the House of Representatives. The bill has not progressed beyond its initial introduction stage in the 116th Congress. If it were to move forward, it would need to be considered and passed by the relevant committees, then by the full House, and subsequently by the Senate, before being sent to the President for signature or veto.
- Has H.R. 4978 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4978. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4978?
- H.R. 4978 was sponsored by Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] (D-CA), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4978?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law. (18 Dec 2019).
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