DELETE Act
Latest action (2 Apr 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
The DELETE Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create a nationwide registration system for data brokers—companies that collect and sell personal information about individuals they don't have a direct relationship with. Registered brokers would have to disclose basic information about their data practices, which the FTC would generally make public. The bill also requires the FTC to build a centralized online system letting individuals submit a single request to have their personal information deleted from all registered data brokers simultaneously, and to opt out of future data collection. The system would use hashed, salted data to protect submitted information, and brokers would be required to check it regularly and delete matching records, with limited exceptions such as legal compliance or approved research.
The bill primarily affects data brokers, who would face new registration, reporting, auditing, and fee obligations, and consumers, who would gain a simpler way to request deletion of their personal data across companies. Certain entities—such as credit reporting agencies, news organizations, and directory-assistance providers—are excluded from the definition of "data broker." The FTC would enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices and would study and report to Congress on the system's effectiveness.
The bill was introduced on April 2, 2025, by Rep. Lori Trahan and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on April 2, 2025. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2612 do?
- The DELETE Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create a nationwide registration system for data brokers—companies that collect and sell personal information about individuals they don't have a direct relationship with. Registered brokers would have to disclose basic information about their data practices, which the FTC would generally make public. The bill also requires the FTC to build a centralized online system letting individuals submit a single request to have their personal information deleted from all registered data brokers simultaneously, and to opt out of future data collection. The system would use hashed, salted data to protect submitted information, and brokers would be required to check it regularly and delete matching records, with limited exceptions such as legal compliance or approved research. The bill primarily affects data brokers, who would face new registration, reporting, auditing, and fee obligations, and consumers, who would gain a simpler way to request deletion of their personal data across companies. Certain entities—such as credit reporting agencies, news organizations, and directory-assistance providers—are excluded from the definition of "data broker." The FTC would enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices and would study and report to Congress on the system's effectiveness. The bill was introduced on April 2, 2025, by Rep. Lori Trahan and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 2612 become law?
- Not yet. As of 2 Apr 2025, H.R. 2612 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2612?
- H.R. 2612 was sponsored by Rep. Lori Trahan [D-MA3] (Democrat-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2612?
- Introduced (2 Apr 2025).
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