Washington, D.C.  – Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement for the record at the  House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Hearing on “Understanding Consumer Attitudes about Privacy”:

 “Thank you, Madam Chairman.  I note that this is the fourth hearing our Subcommittee has held on data privacy and commend you for your thoroughness in examining this important issue. 

 “Our witnesses’ testimony today illustrates a troubling trend among consumers.  Many Americans mistakenly believe that they are afforded explicit data privacy protections under law, and that is simply not true.  All the same, I do recognize that the private sector is working collaboratively to educate consumers and provide them with choices about how best to protect their privacy online.  Moreover, I recognize that overly prescriptive data privacy requirements in the European Union have had a negative effect on online advertising, whose economic importance is not lost on me.  Many of the newspapers in my district owe their existence to revenues generated by online ads.

 “With this in mind, if we in Congress do act on data privacy legislation, such action should be measured and well considered.  Further, privacy requirements should be designed with enough administrative flexibility to allow federal agencies to keep pace with developments in the fast-paced online economy.  Finally, all stakeholders – including consumer groups, industry, regulators, and Congress – should be involved in designing reasonable, appropriate, and practicable requirements that build on the fine work the private sector has already begun. 

 “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses this morning.  Thank you for your courtesy, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

To view a video of Congressman Dingell questioning Panel 1 earlier today, click here.

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