Biden administration makes first move on data privacy

The Biden administration is launching its first big effort on privacy policy by looking at how data privacy issues affect civil rights. An administration perspective on privacy policy could be key in developing a long-awaited national privacy law by putting the White House stamp on how to regulate privacy. The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), the telecommunications unit of the Commerce Department, plans to hold "listening sessions" and seek comment on the intersection of privacy, equity and civil rights, according to an agency notice. NTIA intends to develop a report on the "ways in which commercial data flows of personal information can lead to disparate impact and outcomes for marginalized or disadvantaged communities." The effort could revive the stalled congressional efforts to pass a federal privacy law by giving lawmakers a blueprint with White House support. The listening sessions will be held December 14-16 and will focus on civil rights law and privacy, how data collection and use affects structural inequities, and potential solutions.