[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1878-E1879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTERNET CONSUMER INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 1999

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, the age of the Internet has put more and more 
Americans on-line and is evolving faster than we could have ever 
imagined. Each day new companies and industries form out of the 
constant technological innovation that has come to symoblize this 
information superhighway. It has allowed average people sitting in 
their living rooms the opportunity to connect with a myriad of 
businesses and services. However, with this convenience there comes a 
growing concern that private information is being misused. Today, I am 
introducing the Internet Consumer Information Protection Act in an 
effort to address this problem.
  The Internet Consumer Information Protection Act will allow people to 
regain control over their own personal information without 
unnecessarily hindering those services which collect data for 
legitimate purposes. Under this legislation, any customer data gathered 
by an entity could not be passed on to a third party unless: notice is 
provided, consumers are allowed an opportunity to direct that the 
information not be shared; and are given the opportunity, at no charge, 
to review, verify or correct any data compiled. Internet services would 
still be allowed to share information with affiliates and would also be 
allowed to supply data to third parties for the purpose of performing 
services or functions except for marketing purposes, provided that such 
entity would have an affirmative responsibility barring the use or 
sharing of such data.
  Obviously, issues involving the internet are complex and constantly 
changing, and therefore deserve careful and thoughtful consideration. 
It is important to note that the focus of this legislation is not to 
stop the accumulation and transactional use of data, but to give 
consumers a sense of understanding and effective control over their own 
information. Also, such policy would function to ensure that such 
entities take responsibility to maintain the integrity of the 
information being used for intended purposes.

[[Page E1879]]

  As the Internet becomes as integral part of our daily lives, it is 
imperative that we in Congress take a common sense approach, like this 
proposed legislation, to ensure that businesses are able to benefit 
from this technology while citizens are able to retain a voice and 
aren't asked to involuntarily sacrifice their own personal privacy in 
the name of an undefined information age. The preservation of privacy 
is a cherished freedom which unchecked technology must not be allowed 
to circumvent or exploit.

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