LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
CONGRESS CONSIDERS PRIVACY MEASURES
Focus Foreshadows 2001 Agenda
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In the closing weeks of this congressional session, there was a flurry of activity on privacy-related legislation. Focused mainly on Internet-related concerns, the stepped-up attention underscores the breadth of interest and potential legislation that can expected when a new President and Congress take office next year, as privacy remains a priority issue for members of both parties.
As Congress struggles to adjourn, it appears that Kids in the Know members will have escaped harmful measures. Student-privacy measures, such as those proposed by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. George Miller, were not attached to spending measures in the final days. But several new developments give a clear indication that there will be a full privacy agenda in 2001.
Consumer Internet Privacy
Senate Commerce Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) this month held a hearing on S. 2928, the "Consumer Internet Privacy Enhancement Act." The initiative enjoys bipartisan support and is sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Spencer Abraham (R-MI), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
The bill would require all commercial Web sites to provide consumers with clear and conspicuous notice about their information-collection practices. And it would prohibit the collection of personal information unless consumers are given the choice to opt-out of disclosure and use beyond the primary purpose.
Unlike many Internet privacy proposals, this initiative enjoys the support of such key high-tech firms as America Online and Hewlett-Packard. Consumer advocates say the bill is too weak because it only requires notices.
Sen. McCain has said he will hold additional hearings on the initiative early next year.
Privacy Commission
Through a series of procedural maneuvers, Representative Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) forced a House floor vote on H.R. 4049, which would establish the Commission for the Comprehensive Study of Privacy Protection. It would study and report to Congress and the President on issues relating to protection of individual privacy and explore the appropriate balance between protecting privacy and allowing appropriate use of information. The bill required the Commission to conduct at least four hearings in each of the five geographical regions of the United States.
The House voted earlier this month, 250-146 for the bill, demonstrating broad support for addressing Internet privacy issues. But it fell short of the supermajority required for passage under a procedural requirement.
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