American's data travels around the world daily and often ends up in countries like China which have control of it, and some lawmakers contend it is time legislation addresses these issues to ensure that Americans know what is being done with their data.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, (R-Wash.), delivered opening remarks at the Feb. 7 Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee markup of five pieces of legislation that could offer a lifeline for data safety.
“Several of our bills today would strengthen data protections, an issue that united us last year because it’s a top priority for the American people,” she said in the remarks, according to report.
Data and Commerce Chairman Gus Bilirakis, (R-Fla.) stated in his remarks that the threats to data may be closer than most Americans believe.
“But let’s also remember that the threats we face today are not only at 60,000 feet but are also in the palms of our hands,” Bilirakis said in remarks, according to the report. “While TikTok remains in the app stores for the average American to download, we have been prohibited from downloading it onto our work devices.”
Bilirakis also offered thanks to several colleagues who introduced the CAUTION Act, which would require sellers and distributors of apps to notify a person if an app is banned before they download it. He also noted that some apps should be under the microscope.
“And while TikTok deserves our scrutiny, there are many applications or websites that may have associations with or located in China,” he said during the hearing, according to the report. “Therefore, the Subcommittee will also be moving forward HR 784 the Internet Application I.D. Act from Reps. Fulcher and Pappas, and HR 742, the TELL Act from Reps. Duncan and Kaptur.”
HR 742 would require anyone operating a website that distributes apps that maintains information in China to disclose that information.
HR 750 would require anyone selling mobile apps prohibited by the government for government-owned devices to disclose that fact to anyone downloading or using he app according to the House website.
HR 784 would require anyone who maintains a website or that sells mobile apps owned in any way by the Chinese government or a Chinese business to disclose that fact to anyone downloading the apps.
“While many of these apps or websites may not pose any danger, Americans deserve to know if they have connections to the CCP,” Bilirakis said during the hearing, according to the report. “They also deserve to be informed if use of the platform will enable the CCP to access sensitive user data."
