Technology (Consumer Data Protection)

in committee · United States · House Aug 22, 2025

HR 5028: SAFE Act of 2025

HR 5028, the SAFE Act of 2025, amends the Privacy Act to increase accountability for certain federal employees who intentionally or willfully violate privacy rules. It defines "covered special Government employees" as senior-level federal workers (in roles equivalent to GS-13 or higher, excluding advisory committee members or interns) who mishandle personal data. The bill allows individuals harmed by such violations to sue the employee directly, removing immunity and requiring personal liability for damages. It also permits state attorneys general to file lawsuits on behalf of residents affected by intentional privacy breaches by federal personnel.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAmends Privacy Act to hold federal employees liable for data mishandling, strengthening data privacy protections per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · United States · House Sep 1, 2026

HR 1483: Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act

This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring national securities exchanges, associations, or their members to report investors' personally identifiable information (PII) for consolidated audit trail purposes. It directly affects financial market participants whose personal details - like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, email addresses, or IP addresses - would otherwise be shared under SEC rules. The law specifically blocks the SEC from mandating this PII for order or reportable event reporting under existing regulations. This is a policy change to limit the types of data collected and shared in market transparency systems.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits SEC from requiring reporting of investors' PII, directly protecting data privacy as defined in the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2025

HR 4695: Facial Recognition Act of 2025

The Facial Recognition Act of 2025 regulates law enforcement use of facial recognition technology by requiring court orders for most searches of reference photo databases, with limited exceptions for emergencies or specific situations like identifying victims or those in AMBER alerts. The bill mandates annual accuracy and bias testing of facial recognition systems by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, requires removal of photos from arrest databases for certain individuals (like minors or those not charged), and establishes detailed reporting requirements for all facial recognition use. It prohibits using facial recognition for immigration enforcement or to track people's constitutional rights, and creates civil remedies for violations. The bill applies to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with potential funding reductions for states that fail to comply with its requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires court orders for facial recognition searches, mandates bias testing, and removes photos for certain individuals - protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates law enforcement use of facial recognition, mandates court orders for database searches, and requires bias testing to protect privacy and prevent misuse.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 20, 2025

S 658: Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act

This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring national securities exchanges, associations, or their members to share investors' personally identifiable information (PII) - like names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - for routine consolidated audit trail reporting. It allows the SEC to request PII *only* during investigations into securities law violations or related enforcement actions, and requires exchanges to provide it within 24 hours (or a reasonable extension). The SEC must destroy any such PII within 24 hours after the investigation concludes. The bill directly affects securities exchanges and their members by restricting how they handle investor data under federal reporting rules.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts SEC from routine PII sharing, enhancing data privacy protections per bill's explicit focus on limiting unnecessary data disclosure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 5, 2025

S 863: Genomic Data Protection Act

S 863, the Genomic Data Protection Act, gives consumers greater control over their genetic information collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies (like 23andMe or AncestryDNA). It requires these companies to provide simple tools for consumers to access their genomic data, delete their accounts (including associated data), and request destruction of biological samples (such as saliva swabs). Companies must also clearly disclose how deidentified data may be used for research and notify consumers 30 days before a company acquisition, detailing how consumer rights will be honored under new ownership. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these requirements as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law, with companies required to fulfill deletion requests within 30 days. This bill directly affects consumers who use genetic testing services and the companies that collect their genomic data, excluding healthcare providers using genetic data for medical diagnosis.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects genetic data privacy and consumer control, aligning with patient rights in healthcare services and data protection standards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances consumer data privacy for genomic data by mandating access, deletion, and disclosure controls - directly advancing data privacy protections in technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · United States · House Nov 18, 2025

HR 6051: To Inform Families First Act of 2025

This bill requires states to develop voluntary systems allowing drivers to add emergency contact information to their license records. States would receive federal grants or technical assistance to create these systems, which must include strong data security, limit access to emergency personnel during crises, and ensure no physical display on licenses. Drivers would not be required to provide contact details, and the information would only be accessible during emergencies. States must report on implementation to Congress within one year.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates strong data security and limited access for emergency contact systems, directly supporting data privacy protections in technology systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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signed · United States · Senate May 19, 2025

S 146: TAKE IT DOWN Act

The TAKE IT DOWN Act requires major social media platforms and websites hosting user-generated content to establish a 48-hour removal process for nonconsensual intimate visual depictions (including deepfakes) upon verified request. It defines "nonconsensual intimate visual depictions" as images or videos of identifiable people shared without consent, with criminal penalties for sharing such content with intent to cause harm. The law exempts law enforcement activities, medical purposes, and content shared for legitimate educational reasons. Platforms must remove these materials quickly but are protected from liability if they act in good faith. This law directly affects social media companies and individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours, strengthening data privacy protections and regulating tech companies for consumer safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Digital Government Social Media

passed · United States · Senate Dec 10, 2025

S 414: ADS for Mental Health Services Act

S 414, the ADS for Mental Health Services Act, requires major social media platforms and search engines (with over 100 million monthly users) to annually report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on public service advertisements promoting mental, behavioral, or physical health resources. The reports must detail the number and value of such ads, including those highlighting free local services or addressing issues like suicide prevention, addiction, or social isolation. The FTC must then summarize this data for Congress annually, without altering existing privacy or data security laws. This bill directly affects large digital platforms by mandating transparency about health-focused public service advertising.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires social media platforms to report on mental health ads promoting suicide prevention, addiction, and free services, directly supporting access to mental health resources.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates health ad reporting by major platforms, regulating tech for consumer protection in mental health access85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Consumer Data Protection Social Media

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in committee · United States · House Dec 11, 2025

HR 1623: SCREEN Act

HR 1623 (the SCREEN Act) requires online platforms that profit from hosting pornographic content to implement age verification technology, preventing minors from accessing such material. Covered platforms must publicly disclose their verification process and securely handle age data collected through these systems. The law applies specifically to platforms where pornographic content is a regular business activity, not all websites. It mandates that only adults can access pornographic content on these platforms, without banning the content itself.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates secure handling of age data for minors' access to pornographic content, directly advancing data privacy protections in tech policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety Social Media

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passed · United States · Senate Dec 17, 2025

S 861: Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

This bill creates a single online application system for all federal disaster assistance programs, replacing multiple separate applications. It requires FEMA to establish a unified platform by 360 days after enactment, allowing survivors to apply once for aid like housing, small business loans, or food benefits, track their application status, and receive updates. The system mandates data security standards and allows FEMA to waive certain paperwork rules during disasters while requiring transparency through public notices. This directly affects disaster survivors seeking aid and federal/state agencies administering disaster assistance programs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines disaster housing aid applications, improving access to existing housing assistance programs for survivors through a unified system.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data security standards for unified disaster aid platform, enhancing cybersecurity protections as required by bill language.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Tags Emergency Management

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