Draft of American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 Released by House Committee on Energy and Commerce

The long-awaited American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 has finally been released, marking a significant step towards establishing a national data privacy and security standard in the United States. The draft legislation, released by the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce, aims to give individuals greater control over their personal information and set standards for data security.

One of the key features of the Act is its preemption of disparate state privacy laws, which have made compliance challenging for companies operating across multiple states. The APRA will replace these state laws, providing a uniform standard for data privacy and security nationwide.

The draft legislation includes provisions that allow individuals harmed by data breaches to sue corporations, limits the type of data companies can collect and use, and gives Americans greater control over their data. It also establishes a national registry of data brokers and requires companies to designate a privacy or data security officer.

While the Act is still in the discussion draft stage, it represents a significant bipartisan effort to address the growing concerns around data privacy and security. As discussions continue, both companies and consumers should stay informed about the potential implications of the legislation and begin preparing to comply with the regulations if passed into law.