Public Knowledge Opposes Weak Privacy Act

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to announce the text of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), a bill intended to create a comprehensive federal framework for consumer privacy protections. The bill incorporates elements of previous congressional efforts for comprehensive privacy legislation, such as the US Privacy and Privacy Act (ADPPA), but is missing key provisions, including protections for civil rights and preserving the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in ensuring telecommunications privacy. Public Knowledge opposes this bill and calls on Congress to pass privacy legislation that ensures everyone’s civil rights and online safety.

The following quote can be attributed to Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge:

“It is disappointing that the House Energy and Commerce Committee is moving forward with the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). The bill has significant flaws. First, it is unacceptable to strip away civil rights protections. Privacy rights are civil rights. It is disheartening to see the committee strip away these important protections.

Second, APRA unnecessarily eliminates the Federal Communications Commission’s important role in protecting consumer privacy, cybersecurity, and national security. For 90 years, the FCC has protected the privacy of communications and has the technical knowledge and experience to complement the FTC. APRA will remove an important defender of privacy and personal security, with no concomitant benefit to consumers.

While we appreciate Rep. McMorris-Rogers and Pallone’s commitment to passing the Privacy Act, Public Knowledge cannot accept a privacy bill that, at a minimum, fails to protect our civil rights and the privacy promised in our communications systems.”

Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests or to be added to the public knowledge press list at [email protected] or 405-249-9435.