Online Privacy Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (19 Apr 2023): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The Online Privacy Act of 2023 would create a comprehensive federal framework governing how businesses and organizations collect, use, share, and store personal information about individuals. It would grant individuals a set of specific rights over their data, including rights to access, correct, delete, and transfer their information, to obtain human review of automated decisions affecting them, to be informed about data practices, and to control the impermanence of their data. It would also impose obligations on "covered entities" (generally organizations that collect or process personal information online), such as minimizing data collection, restricting disclosure to third parties, banning discriminatory data processing and manipulative "dark pattern" consent interfaces, and requiring security safeguards and breach notifications. The bill would establish a new federal agency, the Digital Privacy Agency, to write rules, investigate complaints, and enforce these requirements, alongside enforcement roles for state attorneys general and, in some cases, individuals themselves. It also creates a federal criminal prohibition on "doxxing" and directs NIST and the National Science Foundation to conduct privacy-related research and public education.
The law would primarily affect businesses that collect or handle personal data online, including smaller and larger companies, service providers, and third parties receiving user data, while giving U.S. individuals stronger legal rights and remedies regarding their personal information. It includes some distinctions for small businesses.
The bill was introduced in the House on April 19, 2023, by Rep. Anna Eshoo, with Rep. Zoe Lofgren as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and per the official record, no further action has occurred since introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Online Privacy Act of 2023
This bill establishes online privacy rights for personal information, including the contents of personal communications. It also applies requirements for protecting those rights to certain data processors, service providers, and other entities that collect, process, or maintain personal information and transmit it online.
The entities covered by the bill must generally permit individuals to oversee and control their personal information, including by allowing them to
• access, download, and transmit their information;
• correct inaccurate or incomplete information;
• request the deletion of their information; and
• request human reviews of certain automated processes.
Further, the bill limits how covered entities may use, retain, and disclose personal information and otherwise requires actions to preserve information privacy. For example, covered entities must (1) notify and obtain consent from individuals before using, retaining, or disclosing their information in most instances; and (2) maintain privacy and information security policies. Additionally, covered entities may not process information for purposes related to employment, housing, and other opportunities in a discriminatory manner.
Timeline
19 Apr 2023
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2701 do?
- The Online Privacy Act of 2023 would create a comprehensive federal framework governing how businesses and organizations collect, use, share, and store personal information about individuals. It would grant individuals a set of specific rights over their data, including rights to access, correct, delete, and transfer their information, to obtain human review of automated decisions affecting them, to be informed about data practices, and to control the impermanence of their data. It would also impose obligations on "covered entities" (generally organizations that collect or process personal information online), such as minimizing data collection, restricting disclosure to third parties, banning discriminatory data processing and manipulative "dark pattern" consent interfaces, and requiring security safeguards and breach notifications. The bill would establish a new federal agency, the Digital Privacy Agency, to write rules, investigate complaints, and enforce these requirements, alongside enforcement roles for state attorneys general and, in some cases, individuals themselves. It also creates a federal criminal prohibition on "doxxing" and directs NIST and the National Science Foundation to conduct privacy-related research and public education. The law would primarily affect businesses that collect or handle personal data online, including smaller and larger companies, service providers, and third parties receiving user data, while giving U.S. individuals stronger legal rights and remedies regarding their personal information. It includes some distinctions for small businesses. The bill was introduced in the House on April 19, 2023, by Rep. Anna Eshoo, with Rep. Zoe Lofgren as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and per the official record, no further action has occurred since introduction.
- Has H.R. 2701 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2701. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2701?
- H.R. 2701 was sponsored by Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16] (D-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2701?
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (19 Apr 2023).
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