Senators want to protect online data with Data Care Act

The US senators have reintroduced the Data Care Act to safeguard users’ online data. The bill was first introduced in 2018.

Lawmakers in the United States have brought tech companies under the radar to scrutinize their measures to protect users’ data. The US House Judiciary recently subpoenaed the Big Tech CEOs over censorship claims. Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii is now reintroducing the Data Care Act to make websites, apps, and other online providers “reasonably secure” individual identifying data. Schatz is accompanied by 18 other senators.

According to the bill details, companies should notify users of data breaches, and they can’t also use the data in ways that harm users. Additionally, the third parties with whom the data is shared must treat the data with respect and care.

“Websites and apps that collect data from their users need to be protecting this data, not using it to harm them,” said Senator Schatz. “Doctors and lawyers are required to protect people’s data, and our bill will help ensure online companies aren’t exploiting it, either.”

Senators keep tech companies accountable over online data with Data Care Act

If rules are violated, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can impose a fine on both companies and third parties. Each state can also introduce civil enforcement actions, but FTC can intervene if needed.

The Data Care Act is a bipartisan bill, but it’s mostly supported by Democrats like Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar. The Democrats have the majority in the Senate and Republicans control the House. So, the Data Care Act. needs approvals from both sides. The bill also couldn’t come to a vote in 2018, but it’s more likely now to get a majority vote as lawmakers are more sensitive toward online data and privacy.

Both Democrats and Republicans seem to be in favor of bills that keep Big Tech accountable. Besides the American tech companies, foreign apps, like TikTok, have become a source of concern for lawmakers. The Senate has recently passed a bill that allows the White House to ban TikTok.