Our Statement on the Future of US Data Privacy

Washington, D.C. - We are encouraged by Congress’s efforts to deliver on a federal privacy standard with the introduction of the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 (APRA), and we thank Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for their leadership. The changes made prior to last week’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee markup were welcome improvements, and we believe Congress should continue this important work.

Pat Kinsel, Founder and CEO of Proof, issued the following statement about Congress's actions:

“In 2007, as the promise of the internet was taking hold, I joined a group of founders and engineers to sign ‘A Bill of Rights for Users of the Social Web.’ This collective position was one of the first in Silicon Valley to put forward the idea that all users on the web are entitled to fundamental rights, including ownership and control of personal data. 16 years later, that belief has not changed.

…As a parent, founder, and CEO of a growing technology company, I have a unique perspective at the intersection of this debate. I encourage Congress to find a path forward that protects users on the internet while allowing the ingenuity and innovation that has powered our economy for much of the last 20 years to continue.”

While no legislation is perfect on day one, and improvements to APRA are still needed, Proof remains committed to our belief that consumer data privacy rights are fundamental to a healthy digital economy. We encourage Congress to find a path forward to provide those rights to users across all 50 states.

Enacting a single federal baseline standard should remain the central imperative to the policymakers driving this issue. As our representatives continue their work, we believe that the following must also be considered:

• Avoid further advantaging the biggest technology players by imposing an outsized burden on the small and medium-sized businesses that power America’s startup economy.
• Allow companies to view and share the relevant customer information necessary to detect, prevent, and protect against fraudulent activity and cybercriminals.
• Don’t prohibit or stifle the growth of innovative artificial intelligence technologies necessary to fight back against the growing threat of AI-generated impersonation.

As APRA advances, Proof remains committed to working with Congress to make its vision a reality.