Business action on privacy could head off regulation, Rep Blackburn says

Online businesses should become more proactive on privacy matters to head off “big government” style regulatory efforts. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said. Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Rep Blackburn called on firms that rely more and more on their customers’ personal information to take better care of that data.

The “explosion of data” represents a “new frontier” which Rep Blackburn said requires a reframing of the debate over privacy. Policymakers are still trying to define the rules of the road, she said, asking: “Are we going to explore it, protect it, learn to commercialize it, and respect it, or will we restrict it? “The answer will determine whether our children and grandchildren are able to experience the benefits of the digital economy,” she said. Instead of constantly discussing problems and fears, Rep Blackburn said we need more of a discussion about how data creates jobs and how technology can use data to improve our lives. “The growth potential here is endless and so is consumer demand – but only if we have the right policies to help facilitate and protect this amazing innovation,” she said.