Hello from Maine!
The flurry to wrap up projects by the end of the year continues.
U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo and Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., reintroduced the Online Privacy Act. You can read more about the bill and some of its updated provisions below. You can keep track of the latest in federal privacy legislation at the IAPP Resource Center.
Also, despite some last-minute theatrics, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act by a vote of 220-213. If you recall, the bill provides $500 million in funding and grants separate fining authority to the FTC.
"For too long, the FTC lacked the resources to do the massive job with which it is tasked," Consumer Reports Technology Policy Director Justin Brookman said in a release. "This new investment and authority will be crucial in helping the Commission protect consumers and hold companies accountable in the digital world."
Having separate fining authority is a first for the FTC and gives it "more power to incentivize companies to comply with the law."
"We applaud the House of Representatives for taking action to empower the FTC to hold bad actors accountable," Consumer Reports Senior Policy Advisor Maureen Mahoney said.
The bill heads to the Senate next. We will certainly keep you updated.
And, if you haven't had a chance yet, check out IAPP Staff Writer Joe Duball's recent report on the latest FTC developments.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.