WASHINGTON, DC - In recognition of Data Privacy Day, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Lee Terry (R-NE) are urging American consumers to be vigilant in protecting their online data and privacy. The committee held several hearings last Congress examining how personal information is protected on the Internet and will continue its review of online privacy issues throughout the 113th Congress to ensure individual privacy is protected in a manner that preserves Internet growth and innovation.
“On this Data Privacy Day, I urge American families to take a minute and review their digital footprint. Thanks to American ingenuity and innovation, we are spending more and more of our time online - the Internet is where we shop, learn, and play. But as technology advances, so do privacy threats. It is important for consumers to be aware of how their personal information is viewed and shared online," said Upton. “We held a number of hearings last Congress examining online privacy and consumer protection issues, and the committee will continue these efforts in the new Congress to protect consumers without harming innovation."
“Today we recognize Data Privacy Day to raise consumers’ and policymakers’ awareness of online privacy concerns. Protecting personal information online is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge as technology continues to advance and our society becomes more interconnected. Our challenge as lawmakers is to protect individual privacy without undercutting the Internet economy, innovators and application developers. The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will continue to be a voice in the online privacy discussion in the ongoing effort to ensure a balanced approach toward addressing these important consumer issues," said Terry.
