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BROWSER Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 5:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4659
Under the BROWSER Act, ISPs would be required to disclose to consumers what information they are collecting, how it is being used, and with whom it is being shared. This transparency is intended to give consumers more control over their personal data and to prevent ISPs from selling or sharing this information without their explicit consent.
Additionally, the BROWSER Act would prohibit ISPs from refusing service to customers who do not consent to the collection and sharing of their personal information. This provision is aimed at ensuring that consumers are not penalized for choosing to protect their privacy. Overall, the BROWSER Act of 2021 seeks to establish clear guidelines for how ISPs handle consumer data and to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their online privacy. It is currently being debated in Congress and has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans who are concerned about protecting the privacy rights of internet users.
Congressional Summary of HR 4659
Balancing the Rights Of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly Act of 2021 or the BROWSER Act of 2021
This bill establishes information privacy protections that require broadband internet access services and certain websites or mobile applications to provide users with the ability to opt-in or opt-out of the using, disclosing, or accessing of their user information depending on the sensitivity of the information.
Covered service providers must provide opt-in approval through express user consent to use sensitive information such as financial data, health information, browsing history, or other specified personally identifiable information. Such service providers must obtain opt-out approval for the use of non-sensitive user information by a user failing to object to such use after being provided notice of the provider's privacy policies. Service providers also must allow users to opt-in or opt-out of such approval at any time.
The bill permits service providers to use and disclose user information without approval for specified purposes, including for services necessary for provision of the service and to initiate, render, bill, and collect for the service.
The bill further prohibits providers from conditioning access to service on users' agreeing to waive their privacy rights.
