Online Privacy Act of 2021
Latest action (18 Nov 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
Rep. Anna Eshoo introduced H.R. 6027, the Online Privacy Act of 2021, on November 18, 2021. The bill would create a comprehensive federal framework for personal data privacy. It would establish individual rights over personal information—including rights of access, correction, deletion, portability, human review of automated decisions, and being informed about data practices. It would impose obligations on "covered entities" (organizations that collect, process, or maintain personal information online) regarding data minimization, restrictions on disclosure and sale of information, prohibitions on reidentifying de-identified data, bans on discriminatory data processing, requirements for clear notice-and-consent practices free of manipulative "dark patterns," data security standards, and breach notification. The bill also creates a new federal agency, the Digital Privacy Agency, to write rules, investigate violations, and enforce the law, with authority shared alongside state attorneys general, state privacy regulators, and, in some cases, individuals through private lawsuits. It also adds a federal criminal prohibition on doxxing and sets rules for government handling of records and legislative-branch privacy practices.
The bill would primarily affect businesses and other entities that collect or handle personal data over the internet, as well as individuals whose data is collected, who would gain new legal rights and remedies. Small businesses meeting specific size and revenue thresholds would receive some differentiated treatment. Journalistic organizations would receive certain protections from provisions that would interfere with reporting activities.
The bill was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, and House Administration. As of the latest action, it had not advanced beyond introduction and did not receive a committee or floor vote before the end of the 117th 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
Online Privacy Act of 2021
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 Digital Privacy Agency.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6027 do?
- Rep. Anna Eshoo introduced H.R. 6027, the Online Privacy Act of 2021, on November 18, 2021. The bill would create a comprehensive federal framework for personal data privacy. It would establish individual rights over personal information—including rights of access, correction, deletion, portability, human review of automated decisions, and being informed about data practices. It would impose obligations on "covered entities" (organizations that collect, process, or maintain personal information online) regarding data minimization, restrictions on disclosure and sale of information, prohibitions on reidentifying de-identified data, bans on discriminatory data processing, requirements for clear notice-and-consent practices free of manipulative "dark patterns," data security standards, and breach notification. The bill also creates a new federal agency, the Digital Privacy Agency, to write rules, investigate violations, and enforce the law, with authority shared alongside state attorneys general, state privacy regulators, and, in some cases, individuals through private lawsuits. It also adds a federal criminal prohibition on doxxing and sets rules for government handling of records and legislative-branch privacy practices. The bill would primarily affect businesses and other entities that collect or handle personal data over the internet, as well as individuals whose data is collected, who would gain new legal rights and remedies. Small businesses meeting specific size and revenue thresholds would receive some differentiated treatment. Journalistic organizations would receive certain protections from provisions that would interfere with reporting activities. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, and House Administration. As of the latest action, it had not advanced beyond introduction and did not receive a committee or floor vote before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 6027 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 Nov 2021, H.R. 6027 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6027?
- H.R. 6027 was sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo [D-CA16, 2023-2024] (Democrat-CA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6027?
- Introduced (18 Nov 2021).
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