White House proposes bill to protect consumer data privacy
The White House has released the first details of a bill that would give consumers more control over how their online data is used.
The draft of the so-called Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights proposes that companies explain their privacy and security measures to customers in an easy to understand manner as well afford them greater control over how their data is managed and stored.
It aims to address growing concerns about the large reams of data companies are stockpiling at a time when data security concerns are at an all time high. The high profile hack attack of Sony last year brought those fears into sharp focus and the Obama industry has looked to fast track proposals as a consequence.
The broad-ranging proposals, which also include measures to curb discrimination through big data, have drawn criticism from the technology industry, which is worried the proposals would hurt innovation. However, some privacy advocacy groups have said the measures do not go far enough.
The Obama administration has also proposed that companies more readily share cyber attack information through legislation that compels them to tell customers about data breaches within 30 days as well as advanced protections for student data.