The bill prohibits online platforms and other entities from collecting, processing and sharing people’s data in ways that discriminate “on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.”
Law enforcement and government agencies buy internet users’ personal online information from data brokers, sidestepping constitutional and statutory protections.
“Congress should pass the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act and confirm Gigi Sohn to the FCC without further delay,” said Free Press Action VP Matt Wood.
The groups are urging the committee to advance the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act, which would prohibit data merchants from selling personal data to authorities without a legal warrant.
The groups submitted a letter for the record in advance of the July 19 House Judiciary hearing on “Digital Dragnets: Examining the Government's Access to Your Personal Data.”
The legislation would restore the FCC’s authority to ensure that internet access — essential during the pandemic — is universally available, resilient and affordable for everyone.
Period-tracking apps have been a target of concern since the Supreme Court’s ruling. But legal experts like Free Press’ Nora Benavidez say “digital dragnets” are a broader concern.