Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Introduces Bills to Enhance Oversight and Transparency in Private Sector Data Collection

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., is taking a stand against the unchecked collection of personal data by private sector companies with the reintroduction of three bills aimed at increasing oversight and transparency in data collection practices.

The DATA Privacy Act, first introduced in 2021, seeks to establish new information security standards for commercial data collection, processing, storage, and sharing. The bill also empowers the Federal Trade Commission to create rules governing data collection practices, giving consumers more control over their personal information.

In addition to the DATA Privacy Act, Cortez Masto has reintroduced the Internet App ID Act, which aims to regulate the distribution of software and mobile apps developed by Chinese firms or under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. This bill combines elements of two House bills introduced earlier this year, focusing on data security and integrity in the digital space.

Lastly, the Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act, reintroduced for the third time, directs the National Science Foundation to fund research on privacy-enhancing technologies in computer hardware and software. This bill aims to support the development of innovative solutions to protect consumer data online.

Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of stronger privacy laws in the face of increasing data collection by tech giants. In a statement, she said, “My bills will hold corporations and foreign actors accountable, protect the data privacy of vulnerable consumers, and ensure that our emerging AI and other innovative technology industries grow responsibly.”

With data privacy becoming an increasingly important issue in the digital age, Cortez Masto’s bills represent a step towards safeguarding consumer information and promoting responsible data practices in the private sector.