INTERNET CONSUMER INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT -- HON. BRUCE F. VENTO (Extensions of Remarks - September 15, 1999)

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HON. BRUCE F. VENTO OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1999

Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, the age of the Internet has put more and more Americans on-line and is evolving faster than we could have ever imagined. Each day new companies and industries form out of the constant technological innovation that has come to symoblize this information superhighway. It has allowed average people sitting in their living rooms the opportunity to connect with a myriad of businesses and services. However, with this convenience there comes a growing concern that private information is being misused. Today, I am introducing the Internet Consumer Information Protection Act in an effort to address this problem.

The Internet Consumer Information Protection Act will allow people to regain control over their own personal information without unnecessarily hindering those services which collect data for legitimate purposes. Under this legislation, any customer data gathered by an entity could not be passed on to a third party unless: notice is provided, consumers are allowed an opportunity to direct that the information not be shared; and are given the opportunity, at no charge, to review, verify or correct any data compiled. Internet services would still be allowed to share information with affiliates and would also be allowed to supply data to third parties for the purpose of performing services or functions except for marketing purposes, provided that such entity would have an affirmative responsibility barring the use or sharing of such data.

Obviously, issues involving the internet are complex and constantly changing, and therefore deserve careful and thoughtful consideration. It is important to note that the focus of this legislation is not to stop the accumulation and transactional use of data, but to give consumers a sense of understanding and effective control over their own information. Also, such policy would function to ensure that such entities take responsibility to maintain the integrity of the information being used for intended purposes.
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As the Internet becomes as integral part of our daily lives, it is imperative that we in Congress take a common sense approach, like this proposed legislation, to ensure that businesses are able to benefit from this technology while citizens are able to retain a voice and aren't asked to involuntarily sacrifice their own personal privacy in the name of an undefined information age. The preservation of privacy is a cherished freedom which unchecked technology must not be allowed to circumvent or exploit.
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