For the first time in over a decade, Congress is seriously considering a comprehensive federal privacy law. While the American Data Privacy and Protection Act has received significant attention — mostly focused on enforcement mechanisms and whether it would preempt the California Privacy Rights Act — privacy experts have not yet publicly discussed other needed improvements. Absent these improvements, the ADPPA would impede innovation, undercut law enforcement’s most effective tools, and hamstrin... Read More

The proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act could have a far-reaching impact on health data that is not protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Health IT Security reports. Invitae's Deven McGraw said, "HIPAA was never intended to be a privacy rule that covered all health data. ... The fact that we have this quite comprehensive piece of federal legislation that would cover personal data and extend additional protection to sensitive data is quite exciting. .... Read More

The U.S. House New Democrat Coalition announced its support for the proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act. The NDC, with 99 members, is the largest caucus in the House. NDC Chair Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., said the coalition's support comes as it has "prioritized advancing policies that make privacy the default and put people in control of their own information." She added the NDC calls on "Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate to seize this moment to come to an agreemen... Read More

Prospects for a landmark vote in the U.S. House on the proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act boil down to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who decides when or if the comprehensive privacy bill's number will be considered on the House floor. Pelosi did not take a side upon the ADPPA becoming available for a floor vote just ahead of U.S. Congress' summer recess, leaving many wondering where the chips would fall when federal lawmakers returned to work Sept. 6. Following weeks of u... Read More

The American Data Privacy and Protection Act, H.R. 8152, recently amended and reported out by the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, represents important progress toward a passage of a privacy law in the United States. For smaller companies, the ADPPA provision for approved compliance programs is welcome news. Section 304 provides that enterprises whose revenues, data collection, data processing and transfer activities do not reach certain thresholds (as set forth in Section 209) may ... Read More