To require providers of broadband internet access service and edge services to clearly and conspicuously notify users of the privacy policies of such providers, to give users opt-in or opt-out approval rights with respect to the use of, disclosure of, and access to user information collected by such providers based on the level of sensitivity of such information, and for other purposes.
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Balancing the Rights Of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly Act of 2017 or the BROWSER Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce information privacy protections that require broadband Internet access services and certain websites or mobile applications providing subscription, account, purchase, or search engine services to allow users to opt-in or opt-out of the use, disclosure, or access to their user information depending on the sensitivity of the information. Opt-in approval through the user's express consent must be obtained for the use of sensitive information that is: financial information, health information, about children under 13, Social Security numbers, precise geo-location information, content of communications, web browsing history, or history of usage of a software program or mobile application. Opt-out approval must be provided for the use of non-sensitive user information under a method in which users are deemed to have consented if they fail to object after being provided notice of privacy policies. The bill allows a service provider to use 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. Service providers must allow users to grant, deny, or withdraw approval at any time. The bill prohibits providers from conditioning service on a user's agreement to waive privacy rights.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Commerce
Child safety and welfareConsumer affairsInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaRight of privacy
To require providers of broadband internet access service and edge services to clearly and conspicuously notify users of the privacy policies of such providers, to give users opt-in or opt-out approval rights with respect to the use of, disclosure of, and access to user information collected by such providers based on the level of sensitivity of such information, and for other purposes.
USA115th CongressHR-2520| House
| Updated: 5/19/2017
Balancing the Rights Of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly Act of 2017 or the BROWSER Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce information privacy protections that require broadband Internet access services and certain websites or mobile applications providing subscription, account, purchase, or search engine services to allow users to opt-in or opt-out of the use, disclosure, or access to their user information depending on the sensitivity of the information. Opt-in approval through the user's express consent must be obtained for the use of sensitive information that is: financial information, health information, about children under 13, Social Security numbers, precise geo-location information, content of communications, web browsing history, or history of usage of a software program or mobile application. Opt-out approval must be provided for the use of non-sensitive user information under a method in which users are deemed to have consented if they fail to object after being provided notice of privacy policies. The bill allows a service provider to use 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. Service providers must allow users to grant, deny, or withdraw approval at any time. The bill prohibits providers from conditioning service on a user's agreement to waive privacy rights.