Hollings to Introduce Legislation to Protect Internet User Information, Including Medical Records
Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) plans to introduce an online privacy bill as early as today that would protect "sensitive" personal information, including individuals' medical records, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Online Personal Privacy Act would require Web sites and Internet service providers to disclose their information collection practices and inform users of changes in their practices and would allow users to review information collected about them. In addition, the bill would allow users to sue Web sites for violations of privacy at $5,000 per violation in cases where they can "prove actual harm." The legislation would override state laws, a provision that the Times reports may "upset" officials in California, where "debates are underway to pass tougher protections" (Sanders, Los Angeles Times, 4/17). Hollings, chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, plans to hold a hearing on the legislation next week (Vaida, TechnologyDaily/PM, 4/15).
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