Intel, Microsoft, eBay support Rush's online privacy bill, while noting concerns

Intel, Microsoft and eBay wrote to House Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL) in support of his privacy legislation while advocating for the removal of one of its provisions.

The bill would allow websites and other firms covered by the bill to use online information collected about users but they must provide clear notice about what information is being collected and how it is used and an opportunity for consumers to opt out. The measure also would require that consumers opt-in to having their information disclosed to a third party. The bill would exempt firms from this opt-in provision if they participate in a "universal opt-out program" operated by self-regulatory groups and monitored by the Federal Trade Commission. The companies said they "support the bill's overall framework" and commended it for striking "the appropriate balance by providing businesses with the opportunity to enter into a robust self-regulatory choice program." They also said lawmakers should remove the provision allowing consumers to take legal action against companies. They said that would create "unnecessary litigation costs and uncertainty for businesses" without "a corresponding benefit to consumer privacy." They said they look forward to working on refining the bill and want legislation that "will provide consumers with robust protections."