Federal preemption is the best path to consumer privacy in all 50 states
WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Rep. John Joyce introduced the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement over Data Act, the SECURE Data Act, which proposes a preemptive national privacy framework based on consumer privacy laws already passed in several states.
James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology Policy at Consumer Choice Center, an independent consumer advocacy group, applauds the introduction of this legislation:
“For years, we have been calling for a federal consumer data privacy law rather than the patchwork of state legislation on this matter. This legislation contains many critical components to ensure that consumers are protected and that firms have a singular model to follow rather than trying to navigate the maze of different state laws.”
Czerniawski continued, “This proposal can help drive solutions to many of the issues currently in the tech policy debates, ranging from artificial intelligence to child safety policy, which are, at their core, data and privacy issues. This is a far more productive approach to data privacy than what we have seen come out of the European Union and California, and ensures that the United States can continue on its path of being the global leader in emerging technologies.”
What the SECURE Data Act Would Do
The bill would establish a single national standard for how companies collect, store, and use consumer data, replacing the growing web of state-level privacy laws that have emerged in the absence of federal action. Modeled on existing state frameworks—including laws passed in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas—it would give consumers clearer rights over their personal information while providing businesses with a single set of rules to follow across the country.
The legislation would preempt conflicting state regulations, ending the compliance maze that currently burdens companies operating in multiple states and creating a more predictable environment for innovation.
“The Consumer Choice Center has long argued that strong, simple, and uniform consumer protections, rather than complex mandates, are the best path forward for both the tech sector and its many users. Our economy still has room to grow, and this would help in that,” said Czerniawski.
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About the Consumer Choice Center
The Consumer Choice Center is an independent, nonpartisan consumer advocacy group championing the benefits of freedom of choice, innovation, and abundance in everyday life for consumers in over 100 countries. We closely monitor regulatory trends in Brussels, Washington, Ottawa, Brasilia, London, Geneva, and more.