Data Collection Bill Endorsed by Tech Titans

Microsoft, Intel and Ebay have endorsed legislation which could restrict the ability of investigators to collect personal information.  In a letter to Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, the companies offered support for HR 5777, the "Best Practices Act". 

An October 4 joint letter from the three companies stated "We support the recently introduced BEST PRACTICES Act of 2010, H.R. 5777, and urge policy makers to enact a comprehensive framework to protect consumer privacy."

Chairman Rush may attempt to hold a committee vote on the bill in the lame duck session of Congress which starts November 15.  Although most observers don't expect the bill to be passed this year, the Chairman stated  that he  will press toward the adoption of this legislation, "whether in this session of Congress or the next".

NCISS objects to the bill because it requires notice and in some cases consent regarding the collection of personal information.  The concerns which led to the drafting of the bill largely involve online tracking and privacy issues, but the bill is not limited to the Internet. 

During the recent "Hit the Hill" meetings in Washington, NCISS members from Illinois met with Rep. Rush's staff to express concerns about this bill and other legislation that could affect the profession.  Legislative Advocate Larry Sabbath will be following up with the Subcommittee to further explain the NCISS concerns.