Rep. Shea-Porter Statement on the Introduction of H.R. 3175, the Online Privacy Act
Press Release
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), along with Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the Online Privacy Act (H.R. 3175) today. This bill would re-instate the FCC's original online privacy rule, which would prohibit Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from selling user browsing data.
"The Online Privacy Act we are introducing today would protect net neutrality: the simple principle that lawful content on the Internet should be equally accessible to everyone, and that Internet service providers should not be allowed to discriminate against some content providers," Rep. Shea-Porter said. "Without the guarantee of net neutrality, the Internet superhighway's rules of the road will favor big tech businesses over newer startups. The Internet has allowed the proud tradition of American ingenuity and entrepreneurship to reach every corner of the globe. Its openness has enabled a new generation of New Hampshire innovators to turn a bright idea and a laptop into a business. The last thing our economy needs now is for these engines of growth to be slowed."
"The Internet should be open and free for everyone -- and every person who uses it should be able to do so without worrying what their service provider might be doing with their data," Rep. Ellison said. "Our government should work for us -- the people -- not massive telecom corporations. This bill would make sure that every American can get online without having their personal information sold to the highest bidder. And it will provide justice for those who already have had their information taken from them."
"The American people should have control of their data -- not Internet providers seeking profit," Rep. Blumenauer said. "The assault on consumer rights has to end, and so should this giveaway. We need to give control back to the people and restore strong privacy protections."
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