WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) introduced the User Data Protection Act, legislation to ensure personal information is considered a property right and prohibit digital platforms from using information about an individual. 

“This legislation will ensure individuals can establish ownership of their personal data as a property right. It will require a digital platform to disclose the economic value of a user’s personal information, and how it can be used, shared, and monetized. With this framework, individuals will be able to make an informed choice before allowing a digital platform to collect their data.”

Background:

The User Data Protection Act would: 

• Recognize that a user’s data is to be a personal property right and requires a digital platform to determine the economic value of the data collected. The digital platform must disclose this value to the user, in addition to the data used to make this determination
• Prohibit a digital platform from tracking, sharing, and storing an individual’s data, unless they opt-in to allow for this.
• Require that a user’s experience on a site is not hindered or restricted by prohibiting data collection and sharing.
• Prohibit the use of tracking pixels.
• Allow a user who has suffered a misuse of information to bring a private right of action against a digital platform, while capping attorney fees.

To read the full text of this legislation, click HERE. 

###