Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (29 Apr 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
What this bill does
Senate Bill S. 1444, the "Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021," would amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to create new federal privacy and data-security obligations for companies that handle large amounts of personal information. It would clarify that the FTC can treat privacy and security harms—including non-financial harms—as "substantial injury" under existing consumer protection law, and it would raise the FTC's civil penalty authority to as much as $50,000 per violation or 4% of a company's annual revenue, whichever is greater. It also directs the FTC to write rules on high-risk automated decision systems, data protection impact assessments, and a "Do Not Track" opt-out system letting consumers block companies from sharing their data with third parties, with limited exceptions.
The bill targets "covered entities"—generally large companies (over $50 million in annual receipts or handling data on more than a million consumers or devices) and data brokers. Such companies would face new reporting, assessment, and certification requirements; corporate officers who knowingly certify false compliance reports could face criminal fines and imprisonment. Ordinary consumers would gain new rights to opt out of data sharing and receive disclosures about automated decision-making affecting them.
The bill was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on April 29, 2021, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021 This bill requires assessments, periodic reporting, and the development of an opt-out process for specified commercial entities that operate high-risk information systems or automated-decision systems, such as those that use artificial intelligence or machine learning. An automated-decision system or information system is considered high risk if it (1) raises security or privacy concerns; (2) involves the personal information of a significant number of people; or (3) systematically monitors a large, publicly-accessible physical location. An automated-decision system is also considered high risk if it (1) may contribute to inaccuracy, bias, or discrimination; or (2) facilitates decision-making about sensitive aspects of consumers' lives by evaluating their behavior. Covered commercial entities must assess such high-risk systems and evaluate the extent to which they protect against the risk of exposing personal information. The bill further requires certain larger commercial entities to submit an annual report for which corporate officers must certify that the entity is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) implementing regulations. A failure to comply with the reporting requirements is subject to criminal penalties and excise tax. Among other provisions, the bill requires the FTC to create a web portal for consumers to opt out of data sharing and view their opt-out status. Opting out prevents covered commercial entities from sharing personal information with third parties. The bill increases the civil penalties for unfair trade practices, which the bill modifies to include practices that involve noneconomic impacts or create a significant risk of exposing personal information.
Timeline
29 Apr 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 1444 do?
- Senate Bill S. 1444, the "Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021," would amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to create new federal privacy and data-security obligations for companies that handle large amounts of personal information. It would clarify that the FTC can treat privacy and security harms—including non-financial harms—as "substantial injury" under existing consumer protection law, and it would raise the FTC's civil penalty authority to as much as $50,000 per violation or 4% of a company's annual revenue, whichever is greater. It also directs the FTC to write rules on high-risk automated decision systems, data protection impact assessments, and a "Do Not Track" opt-out system letting consumers block companies from sharing their data with third parties, with limited exceptions. The bill targets "covered entities"—generally large companies (over $50 million in annual receipts or handling data on more than a million consumers or devices) and data brokers. Such companies would face new reporting, assessment, and certification requirements; corporate officers who knowingly certify false compliance reports could face criminal fines and imprisonment. Ordinary consumers would gain new rights to opt out of data sharing and receive disclosures about automated decision-making affecting them. The bill was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on April 29, 2021, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 117th Congress.
- Has S. 1444 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1444. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1444?
- S. 1444 was sponsored by Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1444?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (29 Apr 2021).
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