Reactions to the Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act

Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) unveiled comprehensive federal online privacy legislation to establish privacy rights, outlaw harmful and deceptive practices, and improve data security safeguards for the record number of American consumers who now shop or conduct business online. The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act (COPRA) gives Americans control over their personal data; prohibits companies from using consumers’ data to harm or deceive them; establishes strict standards for the collection, use, sharing, and protection of consumer data; protects civil rights; and penalizes companies that fail to meet data protection standards.

A selection of reactions: 

Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate Gigi Sohn: "Senators Cantwell, Schatz, Klobuchar and Markey have delivered legislation for which all Americans can be thankful this holiday season. The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act of 2019 is a thorough and powerful consumer-focused bill that includes foundational consumer rights to access and control of data, strong data security protections, and effective enforcement and accountability mechanisms. Importantly, it recognizes that states must be empowered to continue the conversation and enact stronger protections as necessary. This bill should be the starting point for any conversation about the proper scope of comprehensive federal privacy legislation, which must also include significant restrictions on collection of American’s data.  The American people have gone without comprehensive privacy protections for far too long and the economic, social and personal harms have been many and real. I look forward to Congress’ speedy consideration and passage of this bill. 

Justin Brookman, Director of Privacy and Technology Policy at Consumer Reports: “This is strong legislation that directly goes after companies that build secret profiles about what we do online and off. We appreciate the bill sponsors’ leadership on data privacy, and we look forward to working with Congress to finally pass legislation to protect our personal information. This bill is an important step toward treating privacy as a fundamental right for all Americans.”

Georgetown Law Center on Privacy & Technology Executive Director Laura Moy: "For years, Americans have been clamoring for privacy—not just for incremental improvement, but for a transformative shift that will finally restore some sense of control to 21st century consumers. The Consumer Data Rights Act answers that call. It gives consumers meaningful rights and establishes robust enforcement mechanisms that will incentivize companies to comply. Just as important, this legislation directly addresses harmful uses of data, including discrimination. I applaud this bill and wholeheartedly hope to see it pass." 

Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) Policy Director Caitriona Fitzgerald: “The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act (COPRA) is outstanding. The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act gives consumers meaningful rights, holds companies accountable, and protects stronger state safeguards. EPIC reviewed the bills pending in Congress and has now given the Consumer Data Rights Act an A-. With the addition of a data protection agency, the bill would earn an A and establish a comprehensive approach for privacy protection for the U.S.” 

Free Press Action Senior Policy Counsel Gaurav Laroia: "We commend Senator Cantwell and her cosponsors for introducing legislation that puts the public interest before the interests of the companies that make astronomical profits from selling our data. The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act would restore power over our data to the people. It would allow internet users to sue companies in court, with the potential of very costly consequences for those wrongly exploiting our data. Companies need to know they will face stiff penalties for violating people’s rights. The enforcement provisions in this bill would give any company second thoughts about continuing the unscrupulous practices that have dominated this industry for over two decades. The bill would also protect against the discriminatory use of data. In the short history of the internet, we’ve seen countless examples of tech companies and online advertisers using data to restrict individuals and groups from accessing information or opportunities. Senator Cantwell’s legislation would effectively put a stop to such digital redlining. People across the political spectrum have demanded strong privacy protections. Democratic and Republican members of Congress must work together to pass a strong comprehensive privacy law. We hope lawmakers will stand with their constituents and support legislation that imposes strong obligations to protect our personal information and give people the tools to fight companies that abuse user data.”

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) vice president Daniel Castro: "This legislation fails to strike the right balance between consumer privacy and commercial innovation. It would severely restrict legitimate uses of consumer data, limiting the opportunities for companies to collect, use, and share data to innovate in the digital economy," Castro said. "The main beneficiary of this legislation appears to be privacy lawyers, as companies would be forced to spend millions on legal services to update privacy notices, hire dedicated privacy officers, and defend themselves against civil suits. This bill reflects the wish list of certain privacy activists who are uninterested in the economic impact of data protection legislation," he said. "Make no mistake, it would be a recipe for spoiling the digital economy." 

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) President Jason Oxman: “ITI stands ready to work with policymakers to achieve our mutual goal of enacting a law that meaningfully protects consumers and supports continued US innovation and advancements in areas like medicine, transportation, commerce, and education. While we don’t agree with everything in this measure – like the absence of strong preemption, which leads to inconsistent protection of individuals across state lines – it, like other measures that have been introduced, provides a basis for Republicans and Democrats to advance this important conversation.”