Technology (Data Privacy) in United States

in committee · United States · House Jun 23, 2026

HR 9371: SLASH Prices Act

The SLASH Prices Act requires businesses that sell goods or services to clearly inform customers when prices are set by an algorithm using their personal data. Companies must display this notice prominently next to the price and provide an easy way for consumers to opt out of personalized pricing without facing discrimination or higher rates. The law exempts certain sectors like insurance and credit, as well as dynamic pricing based on real-time market conditions or delivery distance, and gives the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

in committee · United States · House Jun 23, 2026

HR 9402: Stop Spying Bosses Act

The Stop Spying Bosses Act establishes new federal rules to limit how employers collect, use, and share data about their employees and job applicants. This legislation directly affects private businesses with 11 or more workers, government agencies, and their employees by prohibiting the gathering of sensitive information such as biometric data, political views, or off-duty activities without a specific, disclosed business need. Key provisions require employers to clearly inform workers about what data is being collected and how it is used, grant employees the right to access and correct their personal records, and ban the sale of employee data to third parties. The bill also creates a new Worker Protection and Technology Division within the Department of Labor to oversee compliance and provides legal protections for workers who report violations, including the right to sue for damages and prohibiting forced arbitration for such disputes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

in committee · United States · House Jun 25, 2026

HR 9482: Health and Location Data Protection Act of 2026

The Health and Location Data Protection Act of 2026 prohibits data brokers from buying, selling, or sharing specific types of personal information, including an individual's health data and location history. This ban applies to any entity that resells data it did not collect directly from the person, though it allows exceptions for actions compliant with existing HIPAA rules, newsworthy reporting, and disclosures where the individual has given valid consent. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with defining exactly what counts as "data" and issuing final rules within 180 days of the law's enactment. Violations of these restrictions can lead to enforcement actions by the FTC, state attorneys general, or private individuals, potentially resulting in civil penalties of up to 15 percent of the violator's annual revenue. The legislation also includes a funding provision that appropriates $1 billion to the FTC for fiscal year 2027 to support its work under this act.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

in committee · United States · House Jul 7, 2026

HR 9314: DHS Surveillance Technology Moratorium Act of 2026

The DHS Surveillance Technology Moratorium Act of 2026 temporarily halts the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to start, renew, or expand contracts for surveillance tools used in immigration enforcement, such as facial recognition and predictive analytics. This pause applies to agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, though existing contracts can continue until a review is complete. The bill mandates an independent audit within 180 days to examine data collection practices, privacy impacts, and the accuracy of these technologies, followed by a public report detailing their use and capabilities. The funding ban remains in effect until the audit is finished, a public report is released, and the department demonstrates it has implemented necessary safeguards to protect civil liberties. Once these conditions are met, the moratorium lifts, but the department must submit annual reports on its continued use of these technologies and any related privacy complaints.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Border Security Detention Enforcement Data Privacy Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 4738: A bill to implement reforms relating to foreign intelligence surveillance authorities, protections relating to warrantless queries for the communications of United States persons, and for other purposes.

This bill strengthens privacy protections for U.S. citizens and residents by restricting how federal intelligence agencies can use warrantless data collection tools. It specifically limits the ability of government officers to search or access communications unless there is a significant foreign intelligence purpose or an immediate emergency involving threats to life. The legislation also requires agencies to create detailed electronic records for every search and access, ensuring these activities are documented and reviewed by oversight bodies. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for a key section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by nine months to March 12, 2027.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Tags Privacy

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 4741: SAFE for Kids Act of 2026

The SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 requires internet platforms that host more than one-third sexual material harmful to minors to verify the age of users before they can access that content. Covered entities must implement systems using government-issued IDs, transactional data, or other reliable methods to confirm users are not under 18, while strictly prohibiting the retention or sale of the personal information collected during this process. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with enforcing these rules through civil penalties and rulemaking, while the Department of Justice can pursue criminal charges against violators, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the law allows parents to sue platforms directly in civil court if their children gain access to prohibited material, and it mandates regular reports to Congress on enforcement activities.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Online Safety Social Media

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 4667: Open Courts Act of 2026

The Open Courts Act of 2026 creates a single, modernized online system to store and display public records for most federal courts in the United States. This centralized platform will automatically make court documents, audio recordings, and opinions available to the public immediately upon filing, while also offering features like searchable databases, email notifications for case updates, and permanent links for easy access. To help fund the development and maintenance of this new system, the bill introduces a fee structure that charges higher rates for high-volume users and government agencies while keeping basic access free for everyone. Additionally, the law sets strict standards for digital accessibility, cybersecurity, and data privacy, and requires regular audits to ensure the system meets user needs and remains secure.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Cybersecurity Data Privacy Tags Government Transparency

in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8966: Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act

The Subpoena Abuse Prevention Act restricts how federal agencies can use administrative subpoenas to obtain phone and app records from service providers. It requires agencies to identify a specific person or account before requesting data, bans subpoenas aimed at investigating or retaliating against constitutionally protected activities like free speech, and mandates that agencies certify the subpoena's legitimate purpose. The law also allows service providers to notify customers about the subpoena and consult with lawyers, unless a court order specifically prevents such notification. Additionally, federal agencies must publicly report annually on the number of subpoenas issued and the total accounts affected.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Data Privacy Tags Civil Liberties

in committee · United States · House May 26, 2026

HR 9037: To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to improve and expand electronic filing capabilities for Federal Aviation Administration Form 337, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to upgrade its system for submitting Form 337, which is used to record major aircraft repairs and alterations. The key changes allow authorized users to voluntarily submit these forms digitally and enable third-party software to connect securely to the FAA's filing system. To protect privacy and security, the law mandates strict data controls, prohibits the use of personal information for commercial purposes, and ensures that no new reporting requirements are added for aircraft owners or mechanics.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Airports

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4649: Email Privacy Act

The Email Privacy Act amends federal law to clarify how electronic communication providers must handle user data disclosures and government requests. It changes the definition of when a provider can share information, ensuring that voluntary disclosures are limited to the people involved in the communication or their agents, and it updates the terminology used to describe how data is stored. The bill also modifies the rules for government access, requiring warrants for obtaining the contents of stored communications and allowing providers to notify users about certain warrants and legal requests. Additionally, the legislation includes specific exceptions for communications related to public advertisements and ensures that the act does not restrict Congress's power to issue subpoenas.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

All technology bills