Schakowsky Releases The Secure and Protect Americans' Data Act

Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky – joined by Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) – introduced H.R. 4187, The Secure and Protect Americans’ Data Act. The legislation would enhance data security and require prompt disclosure and credit monitoring in the event of a breach.

Over the past few years, dozens of major companies that Americans entrust to hold and secure their data – from big box and online retailers to health insurance companies to major U.S. banks – have suffered data breaches, enabling criminals to access hundreds of millions of personal records. Those attacks are difficult to prevent entirely, but there are steps that can and should be taken to enhance data security and inform victims of a breach.

SPADA would require companies and other entities that collect our data to have in place strong security measures – including systems that prevent intrusion and actively monitor for breaches. It would require protections for a broad scope of personal information – including personally identifiable information, account information, biometric data, geolocation, health information, and non-public user created content such as communications, photos, and videos. The bill would require prompt notification to law enforcement officials and breach victims and ensure that victims have access to free credit monitoring.

“Consumers deserve to have their data protected by the entities that collect it, and they deserve to know if they are the victim of a breach. For too long, they haven’t gotten that – and they’ve suffered the consequences,” said Schakowsky. “The Secure and Protect Americans’ Data Act would right those wrongs, making consumers more secure and better informed. Congressional action is long-overdue, and SPADA is the way forward.”