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Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing on Data Security and Privacy Standards
Record date · January 1, 2024
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What This Bill Does
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on October 6, 2021, to discuss federal standards for data security and privacy. The session focused on addressing the rising frequency of data breaches and the need for enhanced protections for American consumers.
This hearing serves as a legislative foundation for potential future federal regulations that could mandate how companies store and protect consumer data, directly impacting the security protocols businesses must implement and the privacy rights of individuals.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
American consumers
Individuals whose personal data is subject to security breaches and potential future federal privacy protections.
Federal Trade Commission
The agency is being considered for expanded resources and a new internal bureau to manage data privacy.
Technology companies
Businesses may be subject to new federal data security standards and compliance requirements.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on October 6, 2021, in the Russell Senate Office Building.
- This was the second in a series of hearings regarding federal standards for privacy and data security.
- The committee discussed providing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with new resources and establishing a Data Privacy Bureau.
- The hearing addressed the increasing rate of data breaches affecting hundreds of millions of American consumers.
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- Four expert witnesses provided testimony and prepared statements regarding data security.
- The committee members engaged in a question-and-answer session with witnesses following opening statements.
- The appendix includes responses to written follow-up questions submitted by various Senators to the witnesses.
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on FTC Expansion
The hearing highlights a clear legislative intent to empower the FTC with a dedicated Data Privacy Bureau, signaling a shift toward more centralized federal oversight of data security.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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