Senator Blackburn Introduces BROWSER Act

April 10, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced S.1116, the Balancing the Rights of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly (BROWSER) Act. The BROWSER Act requires communications and technology companies to provide users with clear and conspicuous notice of their privacy policies and the ability to opt-in to the collection of sensitive information and to opt-out of the collection of non-sensitive information. It also prohibits these companies from denying their service to users who refuse to waive their privacy rights, empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these rules, and ensures we have a consistent national law regarding online privacy.

“We need one set of rules for the entire internet ecosystem with the FTC as the cop on the beat,” said Senator Blackburn. “The FTC has the flexibility to keep up with changes in technology and its principle mission is consumer protection. The BROWSER Act will enable consumers to make more educated decisions regarding the nature of their relationship with tech companies.”

Senator Blackburn previously introduced this bill in the House of Representatives during the 115th Congress.

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Earlier today, Senator Blackburn spoke at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Big Tech censorship. Watch her remarks HERE.

Earlier this week, Senator Blackburn urged the FTC to take action to address concerns regarding potential privacy, data security, and antitrust violations involving online platforms. Read more HERE.