By Bob Katzen
House 146-0, approved a proposal that would guard personal privacy and provide data protection for Massachusetts residents.
The Senate has already approved a different version of the measure and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The House proposal gives all Bay State residents the right to access their personal information; the right to correct inaccurate information; the right to opt out of certain processes such as targeted advertising; the right to transport personal data; and the right to delete certain information.
A key provision would prohibit sensitive data from being sold or shared without a user’s consent. Sensitive data includes information such as biometric or genetic information, precise geolocation data, health and wellness information, reproductive and sexual health data, data of a minor under 18, government-issued identifiers, and data that reveals an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, national origin or citizenship or immigration status, religious beliefs, sex life, sexual orientation, status as transgender or non-binary, union membership, status as a military service member or veteran and status as a victim of a crime.
Other provisions include requiring that personal data collection must be proportionate to providing requested services, and data must be protected and deleted when no longer necessary or required by law; special protections for individuals under 18, including a prohibition on targeted advertising to minors; and giving the Office of the Attorney General broad regulatory authority to enforce these new laws.
“The Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act centers the consumer and is a must for the 21st century,” said Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield), House chair of the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. “Through the technology that we have come to rely on daily, companies collect and legally sell our data, including sensitive data, without our knowledge or consent. The [bill] is a critical step to hold companies accountable, protect minors and establish strong consumer protections. It is the result of public hearings and thoughtful deliberation with privacy experts, advocates and industry representatives.”
“This bill is first and foremost a consumer protection bill,” said Majority Leader Rep. Mike Moran (D-Brighton). “This bill is an important step forward to ensure data privacy and gives consumers control of how their personal information is collected and used by companies and the right to access, correct and delete their data.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes