New US Data Privacy Bill Puts Power in Citizens' Hands

House and Senate committee leaders recently revealed the discussion draft of the American Privacy Rights Act 2024, aimed at establishing a national data privacy law.

This legislation notably includes provisions enabling individuals to opt out of their data usage for algorithmic decision-making affecting significant life matters. It aims to grant U.S. citizens the ability to dictate the destinations of their data and limits big tech from covertly monitoring, forecasting, and exploiting behaviors for monetary gain. 

The legislation was unveiled by House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

“This bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to establish a national data privacy and security standard that gives people the right to control their personal information,” says Chair Rodgers and Cantwell.

“This landmark legislation represents the sum of years of good faith efforts in both the House and Senate. It strikes a meaningful balance on issues that are critical to moving comprehensive data privacy legislation through Congress. Americans deserve the right to control their data and we’re hopeful that our colleagues in the House and Senate will join us in getting this legislation signed into law,” they added.

Last month, another bipartisan bill presented in the House tasked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with exploring the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to bolster border security.

Introduced by Representatives Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Bill urges DHS to present a comprehensive plan to Congress outlining how AI, machine learning, and nanotechnology can be utilized to improve or address existing capability gaps in border security operations.