WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced the Balancing the Rights of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly (BROWSER) Act. This legislation would require digital services to provide users with a clear notice of their privacy policies and require users to opt-in to the platform collecting their sensitive information. It also would require these platforms to provide users the ability to opt out of their data being collected.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Senate companion to this legislation earlier this year.
“Internet users deserve the right to privacy and shouldn’t have to worry about their data being collected against their will,” said Rep. McClain. “I’m proud to work with Senator Blackburn on the BROWSER Act so we can give internet users additional privacy while still having access to digital platforms.”
“The invasive overreach of the communication and technology sectors cannot continue,” said Senator Blackburn. “Online users need a tangible way to safeguard their right to privacy without a denial of service. The BROWSER Act will put more power in the hands of users and work towards a culture of digital data privacy.”
The BROWSER Act will also prohibit digital services from denying their services to users who refuse their privacy rights, empowers the FTC to enforce these rules using its unfair or deceptive acts or practices authorities and ensures we have a consistent national law regarding online privacy.
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