Trade associations call for unified national privacy framework

AFSA, together with various trade associations, has sent a letter to key figures in the U.S. Congress advocating for a national privacy framework. The recipients of this correspondence include Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ).

The letter emphasizes the importance of consistency in privacy laws and enforcement, suggesting that both consumers and businesses benefit from clear regulations. It argues against the complexity of navigating differing state laws. While acknowledging the United States' history of strong privacy protection, it calls for federal legislation that would override state data privacy and security laws.

The proposed federal privacy framework focuses on six main areas:

1. Individual Rights: Ensuring individuals can control how their personal information is used, collected, and shared.

2. Transparency: Mandating companies to disclose their data practices publicly.

3. Responsible Data Use: Limiting data collection and processing to necessary purposes as disclosed to consumers.

4. Preserving Beneficial Data Uses: Protecting the processing of personal data for beneficial purposes like offering goods and services or maintaining business operations.

5. Small Business Protections: Providing small businesses with federal preemption benefits while reducing compliance burdens compared to larger companies.

6. Reasonable Enforcement and Collaborative Compliance: Encouraging cooperation between businesses and government rather than adversarial actions leading to unnecessary litigation.

The letter aims to push Congress towards adopting these principles into a cohesive national policy.