Library / Laws / 113th / s / S. 2378 / Introduced in Senate
II
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2378
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 21, 2014
Mr. Menendez introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To establish a regulatory framework for the comprehensive protection of personal data for
individuals under the aegis of the Federal Trade Commission, to amend the
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to improve provisions
relating to collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of
children, and for other
purposes.
1.
Table of
contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Table of contents.
TITLE I—Commercial privacy
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Definitions.
Subtitle A—Right to security and accountability
Sec. 111. Security.
Sec. 112. Accountability.
Sec. 113. Privacy by design.
Subtitle B—Right to notice and individual participation
Sec. 121. Transparent notice of practices and purposes.
Sec. 122. Individual participation.
Subtitle C—Rights relating to data minimization, constraints on distribution, and data integrity
Sec. 131. Data minimization.
Sec. 132. Constraints on distribution of information.
Sec. 133. Data integrity.
Subtitle D—Right to notice of breaches of security
Sec. 141. Definitions.
Sec. 142. Notice to individuals.
Sec. 143. Notice to law enforcement.
Subtitle E—Enforcement
Sec. 151. General application.
Sec. 152. Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.
Sec. 153. Enforcement by Attorney General.
Sec. 154. Enforcement by States.
Sec. 155. Civil penalties.
Sec. 156. Effect on other laws.
Sec. 157. No private right of action.
Subtitle F—Co-Regulatory safe harbor programs
Sec. 161. Establishment of safe harbor programs.
Sec. 162. Participation in safe harbor program.
Subtitle G—Application with other Federal laws
Sec. 171. Application with other Federal laws.
Subtitle H—Development of commercial data privacy policy in the Department of Commerce
Sec. 181. Direction to develop commercial data privacy policy.
TITLE II—Online privacy of children
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings.
Sec. 203. Definitions.
Sec. 204. Online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children.
Sec. 205. Targeted marketing to children or minors.
Sec. 206. Digital Marketing Bill of Rights for Teens and Fair Information Practices Principles.
Sec. 207. Online collection of geolocation information of children and minors.
Sec. 208. Removal of content.
Sec. 209. Enforcement and applicability.
Sec. 210. Rule for treatment of users of websites, services, and applications directed to children
or minors.
Sec. 211. Effective dates.
I
Commercial privacy
101.
Short title
This title may be cited as the Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2014.
102.
Findings
The Congress finds the following:
(1)
Personal privacy
is worthy of protection through appropriate legislation.
(2)
Trust in the
treatment of personally identifiable information collected on and off the
Internet is essential for businesses to succeed.
(3)
Persons
interacting with others engaged in interstate commerce have a significant
interest in their personal information, as well as a right to control how
that
information is collected, used, stored, or transferred.
(4)
Persons engaged
in interstate commerce and collecting personally identifiable information
on
individuals have a responsibility to treat that information with respect
and in
accordance with common standards.
(5)
On the day before
the date of the enactment of this Act, the laws of the Federal Government
and
State and local governments provided inadequate privacy protection for
individuals engaging in and interacting with persons engaged in interstate
commerce.
(6)
As of the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act, with the exception of
Federal
Trade Commission enforcement of laws against unfair and deceptive
practices,
the Federal Government has eschewed general commercial privacy laws in
favor of
industry self-regulation, which has led to several self-policing schemes,
some
of which are enforceable, and some of which provide insufficient privacy
protection to individuals.
(7)
As of the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act, many collectors of
personally
identifiable information have yet to provide baseline fair information
practice
protections for individuals.
(8)
The ease of
gathering and compiling personal information on the Internet and off, both
overtly and surreptitiously, is becoming increasingly efficient and
effortless
due to advances in technology which have provided information gatherers
the
ability to compile seamlessly highly detailed personal histories of
individuals.
(9)
Personal
information requires greater privacy protection than is available on the
day
before the date of the enactment of this Act. Vast amounts of personal
information, including sensitive information, about individuals are
collected
on and off the Internet, often combined and sold or otherwise transferred
to
third parties, for purposes unknown to an individual to whom the
personally
identifiable information pertains.
(10)
Toward the close
of the 20th century, as individuals' personal information was increasingly
collected, profiled, and shared for commercial purposes, and as technology
advanced to facilitate these practices, Congress enacted numerous statutes
to
protect privacy.
(11)
Those statutes
apply to the government, telephones, cable television, e-mail, video tape
rentals, and the Internet (but only with respect to children and law
enforcement requests).
(12)
As in those
instances, the Federal Government has a substantial interest in creating a
level playing field of protection across all collectors of personally
identifiable information, both in the United States and abroad.
(13)
Enhancing
individual privacy protection in a balanced way that establishes clear,
consistent rules, both domestically and internationally, will stimulate
commerce by instilling greater consumer confidence at home and greater
confidence abroad as more and more entities digitize personally
identifiable
information, whether collected, stored, or used online or offline.
103.
Definitions
(a)
In general
Subject to subsection (b), in this title:
(1)
Commission
The
term Commission means the Federal Trade Commission.
(2)
Covered
entity
The term covered entity means any person to
whom this title applies under section 151.
(3)
Covered
information
(A)
In
general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term
covered information means only the following:
(i)
Personally
identifiable information.
(ii)
Unique
identifier information.
(iii)
Any information
that is collected, used, or stored in connection with personally
identifiable
information or unique identifier information in a manner that may
reasonably be
used by the party collecting the information to identify a specific
individual.
(B)
Exception
The
term covered information does not include the following:
(i)
Personally
identifiable information obtained from public records that is not merged
with
covered information gathered elsewhere.
(ii)
Personally
identifiable information that is obtained from a forum—
(I)
where the
individual voluntarily shared the information or authorized the
information to
be shared; and
(II)
that—
(aa)
is
widely and publicly available and was not made publicly available in bad
faith; and
(bb)
contains no
restrictions on who can access and view such information.
(iii)
Personally
identifiable information reported in public media.
(iv)
Personally
identifiable information dedicated to contacting an individual at the
individual's place of work.
(4)
Established
business relationship
The term established business
relationship means, with respect to a covered entity and a person, a
relationship formed with or without the exchange of consideration,
involving
the establishment of an account by the person with the covered entity for
the
receipt of products or services offered by the covered entity.
(5)
Personally
identifiable information
The term personally identifiable
information means only the following:
(A)
Any of the
following information about an individual:
(i)
The
first name (or initial) and last name of an individual, whether given at
birth
or time of adoption, or resulting from a lawful change of name.
(ii)
The postal
address of a physical place of residence of such individual.
(iii)
An e-mail
address.
(iv)
A
telephone number or mobile device number.
(v)
A
social security number or other government issued identification number
issued
to such individual.
(vi)
The account
number of a credit card issued to such individual.
(vii)
Unique
identifier information that alone can be used to identify a specific
individual.
(viii)
Biometric data
about such individual, including fingerprints and retina scans.
(B)
If used,
transferred, or stored in connection with 1 or more of the items of
information
described in subparagraph (A), any of the following:
(i)
A
date of birth.
(ii)
The number of a
certificate of birth or adoption.
(iii)
A
place of birth.
(iv)
Unique
identifier information that alone cannot be used to identify a specific
individual.
(v)
Precise
geographic location, at the same degree of specificity as a global
positioning
system or equivalent system, and not including any general geographic
information that may be derived from an Internet Protocol address.
(vi)
Information
about an individual's quantity, technical configuration, type,
destination,
location, and amount of uses of voice services, regardless of technology
used.
(vii)
Any other
information concerning an individual that may reasonably be used by the
party
using, collecting, or storing that information to identify that
individual.
(6)
Sensitive
personally identifiable information
The term sensitive
personally identifiable information means—
(A)
personally
identifiable information which, if lost, compromised, or disclosed without
authorization either alone or with other information, carries a
significant
risk of economic or physical harm; or
(B)
information
related to—
(i)
a
particular medical condition or a health record; or
(ii)
the religious
affiliation of an individual.
(7)
Third
party
(A)
In general
The term third party means, with respect to a
covered entity, a person that—
(i)
is—
(I) not related to
the covered entity by common ownership or corporate control; or
(II) related to the covered entity by common ownership or corporate control and an ordinary consumer
would not understand that the covered entity and the person were related
by common ownership or corporate control;
(ii)
is not a service
provider used by the covered entity to receive personally identifiable
information or sensitive personally identifiable information in performing
services or functions on behalf of and under the instruction of the
covered
entity; and
(iii)
with respect to the collection of covered information of an individual, does not have an
established business relationship with the individual and does not
identify
itself to the individual at the time of such collection
in a
clear and conspicuous manner that is visible to the individual.
(B)
Common brands
The term third party may include, with respect to a covered entity, a person who operates under a common brand with the
covered entity.
(8)
Unauthorized
use
(A)
In
general
The term unauthorized use means the use of
covered information by a covered entity or its service provider for any
purpose
not authorized by the individual to whom such information relates.
(B)
Exceptions
Except
as provided in subparagraph (C), the term unauthorized use does
not include use of covered information relating to an individual by a
covered
entity or its service provider as follows:
(i)
To
process and enforce a transaction or deliver a service requested by that
individual.
(ii)
To
operate the covered entity that is providing a transaction or delivering a
service requested by that individual, such as inventory management,
financial
reporting and accounting, planning, and product or service improvement or
forecasting.
(iii)
To prevent or
detect fraud or to provide for a physically or virtually secure
environment.
(iv)
To
investigate a possible crime.
(v)
That is required
by a provision of law or legal process.
(vi)
To
market or advertise to an individual from a covered entity within the
context
of a covered entity's own Internet website, services, or products if the
covered information used for such marketing or advertising was—
(I)
collected
directly by the covered entity; or
(II)
shared with the
covered entity—
(aa)
at
the affirmative request of the individual; or
(bb)
by
an entity with which the individual has an established business
relationship.
(vii)
Use that is
necessary for the improvement of transaction or service delivery through
research, testing, analysis, and development.
(viii)
Use that is
necessary for internal operations, including the following:
(I)
Collecting
customer satisfaction surveys and conducting customer research to improve
customer service information.
(II)
Information
collected by an Internet website about the visits to such website and the
click-through rates at such website—
(aa)
to
improve website navigation and performance; or
(bb)
to
understand and improve the interaction of an individual with the
advertising of
a covered entity.
(ix)
Use—
(I)
by a covered
entity with which an individual has an established business
relationship;
(II)
which the
individual could have reasonably expected, at the time such relationship
was
established, was related to a service provided pursuant to such
relationship;
and
(III)
which does not
constitute a material change in use or practice from what could have
reasonably
been expected.
(C)
Savings
A
use of covered information regarding an individual by a covered entity or
its
service provider may only be excluded under subparagraph (B) from the
definition of unauthorized use under subparagraph (A) if the use
is reasonable and consistent with the practices and purposes described in
the
notice given the individual in accordance with section 121(a)(1).
(9)
Unique
identifier information
The term unique identifier
information means a unique persistent identifier associated with an
individual or a networked device, including a customer number held in a
cookie,
a user ID, a processor serial number, or a device serial number.
(b)
Modified definition by rulemaking
If the Commission determines that a term defined in any of paragraphs (3) through (8) is not
reasonably sufficient to protect an individual from unfair or deceptive
acts or practices, the Commission may by rule modify such definition as
the Commission considers appropriate to protect such individual from an
unfair or deceptive act
or practice to the extent that the Commission determines will not
unreasonably impede interstate commerce.
A
Right to security
and accountability
111.
Security
(a)
Rulemaking
required
Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
initiate
a rulemaking proceeding to require each covered entity to carry out
security
measures to protect the covered information it collects and maintains.
(b)
Proportion
The requirements prescribed under
subsection (a) shall provide for security measures that are proportional
to the
size, type, nature, and sensitivity of the covered information a covered
entity
collects.
(c)
Consistency
The
requirements prescribed under subsection (a) shall be consistent with
guidance
provided by the Commission and recognized industry practices for safety
and
security on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)
Technological
means
In a rule prescribed
under subsection (a), the Commission may not require a specific
technological
means of meeting a requirement.
112.
Accountability
Each covered entity shall, in a manner
proportional to the size, type, and nature of the covered information it
collects—
(1)
have managerial
accountability, proportional to the size and structure of the covered
entity,
for the adoption and implementation of policies consistent with this
title;
(2)
have a process to
respond to non-frivolous inquiries from individuals regarding the
collection,
use, transfer, or storage of covered information relating to such
individuals;
and
(3)
describe the
means of compliance of the covered entity with the requirements of this
Act
upon request from—
(A)
the Commission;
or
(B)
an appropriate
safe harbor program established under section 151.
113.
Privacy by
design
Each covered entity
shall, in a manner proportional to the size, type, and nature of the
covered
information that it collects, implement a comprehensive information
privacy
program by—
(1)
incorporating
necessary development processes and practices throughout the product life
cycle
that are designed to safeguard the personally identifiable information
that is
covered information of individuals based on—
(A)
the reasonable
expectations of such individuals regarding privacy; and
(B)
the relevant
threats that need to be guarded against in meeting those expectations;
and
(2)
maintaining
appropriate management processes and practices throughout the data life
cycle
that are designed to ensure that information systems comply with—
(A)
the provisions of
this title;
(B)
the privacy
policies of a covered entity; and
(C)
the privacy
preferences of individuals that are consistent with the consent choices
and
related mechanisms of individual participation as described in section
122.
B
Right to notice
and individual participation
121.
Transparent
notice of practices and purposes
(a)
In
general
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to require
each
covered entity—
(1)
to provide accurate, clear,
concise, and timely notice to individuals of—
(A)
the practices of
the covered entity regarding the collection, use, transfer, and storage of
covered information; and
(B)
the specific
purposes of those practices;
(2)
to provide accurate, clear,
concise, and timely notice to individuals before implementing a material
change
in such practices; and
(3)
to maintain the
notice required by paragraph (1) in a form that individuals can readily
access.
(b)
Compliance and
other considerations
In the rulemaking required by subsection
(a), the Commission—
(1)
shall consider
the types of devices and methods individuals will use to access the
required
notice;
(2)
may provide that
a covered entity unable to provide the required notice when information is
collected may comply with the requirement of subsection (a)(1) by
providing an
alternative time and means for an individual to receive the required
notice
promptly;
(3)
may draft
guidance for covered entities to use in designing their own notice and may
include a draft model template for covered entities to use in designing
their
own notice; and
(4)
may provide
guidance on how to construct computer-readable notices or how to use other
technology to deliver the required notice.
122.
Individual
participation
(a)
In
general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to
require
each covered entity—
(1)
to offer
individuals a clear and conspicuous mechanism for opt-in consent for any
use
of their covered information that would otherwise be unauthorized use;
(2)
to offer
individuals a robust, clear, and conspicuous mechanism for opt-in consent
for
the use by third parties of the individuals' covered information for
behavioral
advertising or marketing;
(3)
to provide any
individual to whom the personally identifiable information that is covered
information pertains, and which the covered entity or its service provider
stores, appropriate and reasonable—
(A)
access to such
information; and
(B)
mechanisms to
correct such information to improve the accuracy of such information;
and
(4)
in the case that
a covered entity enters bankruptcy or an individual requests the
termination of
a service provided by the covered entity to the individual or termination
of
some other relationship with the covered entity, to permit the individual
to
easily request that—
(A)
all of the
personally identifiable information that is covered information that the
covered entity maintains relating to the individual, except for
information the
individual authorized the sharing of or which the individual shared with
the
covered entity in a forum that is widely and publicly available, be
rendered
not personally identifiable; or
(B)
if rendering such
information not personally identifiable is not possible, to cease the
unauthorized use or transfer to a third party for an unauthorized use of
such
information or to cease use of such information for marketing, unless such
unauthorized use or transfer is otherwise required by a provision of
law.
(b)
Unauthorized
use transfers
In the rulemaking required by subsection (a), the
Commission shall provide that with respect to transfers of covered
information
to a third party for which an individual provides opt-in consent, the
third
party to which the information is transferred may not use such information
for
any unauthorized use other than a use—
(1)
specified
pursuant to the purposes stated in the required notice under section
121(a);
and
(2)
authorized by the
individual when the individual granted consent for the transfer of the
information to the third party.
(c)
Alternative
means To terminate use of covered information
In the rulemaking
required by subsection (a), the Commission shall allow a covered entity to
provide individuals an alternative means, in lieu of the access, consent,
and
correction requirements, of prohibiting a covered entity from use or
transfer
of that individual's covered information.
(d)
Service
providers
(1)
In
general
The use of a service provider by a covered entity to
receive covered information in performing services or functions on behalf
of
and under the instruction of the covered entity does not constitute an
unauthorized use of such information by the covered entity if the covered
entity and the service provider execute a contract that requires the
service
provider to collect, use, and store the information on behalf of the
covered
entity in a manner consistent with—
(A)
the requirements
of this title; and
(B)
the policies and
practices related to such information of the covered entity.
(2)
Transfers
between service providers for a covered entity
The disclosure by
a service provider of covered information pursuant to a contract with a
covered
entity to another service provider in order to perform the same service or
functions for that covered entity does not constitute an unauthorized
use.
(3)
Liability
remains with covered entity
A covered entity remains responsible
and liable for the protection of covered information that has been
transferred
to a service provider for processing, notwithstanding any agreement to the
contrary between a covered entity and the service provider.
C
Rights relating
to data minimization, constraints on distribution, and data integrity
131.
Data
minimization
Each covered
entity shall—
(1)
collect only as
much covered information relating to an individual as is reasonably
necessary—
(A)
to process or
enforce a transaction or deliver a service requested by such individual;
(B)
for the covered
entity to provide a transaction or delivering a service requested by such
individual, such as inventory management, financial reporting and
accounting,
planning, product or service improvement or forecasting, and customer
support
and service;
(C)
to prevent or
detect fraud or to provide for a secure environment;
(D)
to investigate a
possible crime;
(E)
to comply with a
provision of law;
(F)
for the covered
entity to market or advertise to such individual if the covered
information
used for such marketing or advertising was collected directly by the
covered
entity; or
(G)
for internal
operations, including—
(i)
collecting
customer satisfaction surveys and conducting customer research to improve
customer service; and
(ii)
collection from
an Internet website of information about visits and click-through rates
relating to such website to improve—
(I)
website
navigation and performance; and
(II)
the customer’s
experience;
(2)
retain covered
information for only such duration as—
(A)
with respect to
the provision of a transaction or delivery of a service to an
individual—
(i)
is
necessary to provide such transaction or deliver such service to such
individual; or
(ii)
if
such service is ongoing, is reasonable for the ongoing nature of the
service; or
(B)
is required by a
provision of law;
(3) retain covered information only for the purpose it was collected, or reasonably related purposes;
and
(4) exercise reasonable data retention procedures with respect to both the initial collection and
subsequent retention.
132.
Constraints on
distribution of information
(a)
In
general
Each covered entity shall—
(1)
require by
contract that any third party to which it transfers covered information
use the
information only for purposes that are consistent with—
(A)
the provisions of
this title; and
(B)
as specified in
the contract;
(2)
require by
contract that such third party may not combine information that the
covered
entity has transferred to it, that relates to an individual, and that is
not
personally identifiable information with other information in order to
identify
such individual, unless the covered entity has obtained the opt-in consent
of
such individual for such combination and identification; and
(3)
before executing
a contract with a third party—
(A)
assure through
due diligence that the third party is a legitimate organization; and
(B)
in the case of a
material violation of the contract, at a minimum notify the Commission of
such
violation.
(b)
Transfers to
unreliable third parties prohibited
A covered entity may not
transfer covered information to a third party that the covered entity
knows—
(1)
has intentionally
or willfully violated a contract required by subsection (a); and
(2)
is reasonably
likely to violate such contract.
(c)
Application of
rules to third parties
(1)
In
general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a third party that
receives covered information from a covered entity shall be subject to the
provisions of this Act as if it were a covered entity.
(2)
Exemption
The
Commission may, as it determines appropriate, exempt classes of third
parties
from liability under any provision of subtitle B if the Commission finds
that—
(A)
such class of
third parties cannot reasonably comply with such provision; or
(B)
with respect to
covered information relating to individuals that is transferred to such
class,
compliance by such class with such provision would not sufficiently
benefit
such individuals.
133.
Data
integrity
(a)
In
general
Each covered entity
shall attempt to establish and maintain reasonable procedures to ensure
that
personally identifiable information that is covered information and
maintained
by the covered entity is accurate in those instances where the covered
information could be used to deny consumers benefits or cause significant
harm.
(b)
Exception
Subsection (a) shall not apply to covered
information of an individual maintained by a covered entity that is
provided—
(1)
directly to the covered entity by the
individual;
(2)
to the covered entity by another entity at
the request of the individual;
(3) to prevent or detect fraud; or
(4) to provide for a secure environment.
D
Right to notice of breaches of security
141.
Definitions
In this subtitle:
(1)
Breach of security
(A)
In general
The term breach of security means compromise of the security, confidentiality, or integrity of, or loss of, data in electronic
form that results in, or there is a reasonable basis to conclude has
resulted in, unauthorized access to or acquisition of personally
identifiable information
from a covered entity.
(B)
Exclusions
The term breach of security does not include—
(i) a good faith acquisition of personally identifiable information by a covered entity, or an employee
or agent of a
covered entity, if the personally identifiable information is not subject
to further use
or unauthorized disclosure;
(ii) any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement or
an intelligence agency of the United States, a State, or a political
subdivision of a State; or
(iii) the release of a public record not otherwise subject to confidentiality or nondisclosure
requirements.
(2)
Data in electronic form
The term data in electronic form means any data stored electronically or digitally on any computer system or other database,
including recordable tapes and other mass storage devices.
(3)
Designated entity
The term designated entity means the Federal Government entity designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security under section
143(a).
(4)
Identity theft
The term identity theft means the unauthorized use of another person's personally identifiable information for the purpose
of engaging in
commercial transactions under the identity of such other person, including
any contact that violates section 1028A of title 18, United States Code.
(5)
Major credit reporting agency
The term major credit reporting agency means a consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide
basis within the meaning of section 603(p) of the Fair Credit Reporting
Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(p)).
(6)
Service provider
The term service provider means a person that provides electronic data transmission, routing, intermediate and transient
storage, or connections to its system or network, where the person
providing such services does not select or modify the content of the
electronic data, is not the sender or the intended recipient of the data,
and does not differentiate personally identifiable information from other
information that such person transmits, routes, or stores, or for which
such person
provides connections. Any such person shall be treated as a service
provider under this subtitle only to the extent that it is engaged in the
provision of such transmission, routing, intermediate and transient
storage, or connections.
142.
Notice to individuals
(a)
In general
A covered entity that owns or possesses data in electronic form containing personally identifiable
information,
following the discovery of a breach of security of the system maintained
by the covered entity that contains such information, shall notify—
(1) each individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States and whose personally identifiable
information
has been, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired or accessed
from the
covered entity as a result of the breach of security; and
(2) the Commission, unless the covered entity has notified the designated entity under section 143.
(b)
Special notification requirements
(1)
Third parties
In the event of a breach of security of a system maintained by a third party that has been
contracted to maintain or process data in electronic form containing
personally identifiable information on behalf of a covered entity who owns
or
possesses such data, the third party shall notify the covered
entity of the breach of security.
(2)
Service providers
If a service provider becomes aware of a breach of security of data in electronic form containing
personally identifiable information that is owned or possessed by another
covered entity
that connects to or uses a system or network provided by the service
provider for the purpose of transmitting, routing, or providing
intermediate or transient storage of such data, the service provider shall
notify of the breach of security only the covered entity who initiated
such connection, transmission, routing, or storage if such covered entity
can be reasonably identified.
(3)
Coordination of notification with credit reporting agencies
(A)
In general
If a covered entity is required to provide notification to more than 5,000 individuals under
subsection (a)(1), the covered entity also shall notify each major credit
reporting agency of the timing and distribution of the notices, except
when the only personally identifiable information that is the subject of
the breach of
security is the individual's first name or initial and last name, or
address, or phone number, in combination with a credit or debit card
number, and any required security code.
(B)
Notice to credit reporting agencies before individuals
Such notice shall be given to each
credit reporting agency without unreasonable delay and, if it will not
delay notice to the affected individuals, prior to the distribution of
notices to the affected individuals.
(c)
Timeliness of notification
(1)
In general
All notifications required under this section shall be made without unreasonable delay following
the discovery by the covered entity of a security breach.
(2)
Reasonable delay
(A)
In general
Reasonable delay under this subsection may include any time necessary to determine the scope of the
security breach, prevent further disclosures, restore the reasonable
integrity of the data system, and provide notice to law enforcement when
required.
(B)
Extension
(i)
In general
Except as provided in subsection (d), delay of notification shall not exceed 60 days following the
discovery of the security breach, unless the covered entity
requests an extension of time and the Commission determines
in writing that additional time is reasonably necessary to determine the
scope of the security breach, prevent further disclosures, restore the
reasonable integrity of the data system, or
to provide notice to the designated entity.
(ii)
Approval of request
If the Commission approves the request for delay, the covered entity may
delay the period for notification for additional periods of up to 30
days.
(3)
Burden of production
The covered entity, third party, or service provider required to provide notice under this title
shall,
upon the request of the Commission provide records or other
evidence of the notifications required under this subtitle, including to
the
extent applicable, the reasons for any delay of notification.
(d)
Method and content of notification
(1)
Direct notification
(A)
Method of direct notification
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a covered entity shall be in compliance with the notification
requirement under subsection (a)(1)
if—
(i) the covered entity provides conspicuous and clearly identified notification—
(I) in writing; or
(II) by e-mail or other electronic means if—
(aa) the covered entity's primary method of communication with the individual is by e-mail or such other
electronic means; or
(bb) the individual has consented to receive notification by e-mail or such other electronic means and
such notification is provided in a manner that is consistent with the
provisions permitting electronic transmission of notices under section 101
of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15
U.S.C. 7001); and
(ii) the method of notification selected under clause (i) can reasonably be expected to reach the
intended individual.
(B)
Content of direct notification
Each method of notification under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i) The date, estimated date, or estimated date range of the breach of security.
(ii) A description of the personally identifiable information that was or is reasonably believed to have
been acquired
or accessed as a result of the breach of security.
(iii) A telephone number that an individual can use at no cost to the individual to contact the covered
entity to inquire about the breach of security or the information the
covered entity maintained about that individual.
(iv) Notice that the individual may be entitled to consumer credit reports under subsection (e)(1).
(v) Instructions how an individual can request consumer credit reports under subsection (e)(1).
(vi) A telephone number, that an individual can use at no cost to the individual, and an address to
contact each major credit reporting agency.
(vii) A telephone number, that an individual can use at no cost to the individual, and an Internet
website address to obtain information regarding identity theft from the
Commission.
(2)
Substitute notification
(A)
Circumstances giving rise to substitute notification
A covered entity required to provide notification to individuals under subsection (a)(1) may
provide notification under this paragraph instead of paragraph (1) of this
subsection if—
(i) notification under paragraph (1) is not feasible due to lack of sufficient contact information for
the
individual required to be notified; or
(ii) the covered entity owns or possesses data in electronic form containing personally identifiable
information of
fewer than 10,000 individuals and direct notification is not feasible due
to excessive cost to the covered entity required to provide such
notification relative to the resources of such covered entity, as
determined in accordance with the regulations issued by the Commission
under paragraph (3)(A).
(B)
Method of substitute notification
Notification under this paragraph shall include the following:
(i) Conspicuous and clearly identified notification by e-mail to the extent the covered entity has an
e-mail address for an individual who is entitled to notification under
subsection (a)(1).
(ii) Conspicuous and clearly identified notification on the Internet website of the covered entity if
the covered entity maintains an Internet website.
(iii) Notification to print and to broadcast media, including major media in metropolitan and rural areas
where the individuals whose personally identifiable information was
acquired or accessed reside.
(C)
Content of substitute notification
Each method of notification under this paragraph shall include the following:
(i) The date, estimated date, or estimated date range of the breach of security.
(ii) A description of the types of personally identifiable information that were or are reasonably
believed to have
been acquired or accessed as a result of the breach of security.
(iii) Notice that an individual may be entitled to consumer credit reports under subsection (e)(1).
(iv) Instructions how an individual can request consumer credit reports under subsection (e)(1).
(v) A telephone number that an individual can use at no cost to the individual to learn whether the
individual's personally identifiable information is included in the breach
of security.
(vi) A telephone number, that an individual can use at no cost to the individual, and an address to
contact each major credit reporting agency.
(vii) A telephone number, that an individual can use at no cost to the individual, and an Internet
website address to obtain information from the Commission regarding
identity theft.
(3)
Regulations and guidance
(A)
Regulations concerning substitute notification
(i)
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall prescribe
criteria for
determining circumstances under which notification may be
provided under paragraph (2), including criteria for
determining whether providing notification under paragraph (1) is
not feasible due to excessive costs to the covered entity required to
provide such notification relative to the resources of such covered
entity.
(ii)
Other circumstances
The regulations required by clause (i) may also identify other circumstances in which
notification under paragraph (2) would be appropriate, including
circumstances
under which the cost of providing direct notification exceeds the benefits
to individuals.
(B)
Guidance
(i)
In general
The Commission, in consultation with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall
publish and otherwise make available general guidance with respect to
compliance with this
subsection.
(ii)
Contents
The guidance required by clause (i) shall include the following:
(I) A description of written or e-mail notification that complies with paragraph (1).
(II) Guidance on the content of notification under paragraph (2), including the extent of
notification to print and broadcast media that complies with subparagraph
(B)(iii) of such paragraph.
(e)
Other obligations following breach
(1)
In general
Subject to the provisions of this subsection, not later than 60 days after the date of a request by
an individual who received notification under
subsection (a)(1) and quarterly thereafter for 2 years, a covered entity
required to provide notification under such subsection to such individual
shall provide, or
arrange for the provision of, to such individual at no cost to such
individual, consumer
credit reports from at least 1 major credit reporting agency.
(2)
Limitation
Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the only personally identifiable information that is the subject
of the breach
of security is the individual's first name or initial and last name, or
address, or phone number, in combination with a credit or debit card
number, and any required security code.
(3)
Rulemaking
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall prescribe
the following:
(A) Criteria for determining the circumstances under which a covered entity required to provide
notification
under subsection (a)(1) must provide or arrange for the provision of free
consumer credit reports under this subsection.
(B) A simple process under which a covered entity that is a small business concern or small nonprofit
organization may request a full or a partial waiver or a
modified or an alternative means of complying with this subsection if
providing free consumer credit reports is not feasible due to excessive
costs relative to the resources of such covered entity and relative to the
level of harm, to affected individuals, caused by the breach of security.
(4)
Definitions
In this subsection:
(A)
Small business concern
The term small business concern has the meaning given such term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
(B)
Small nonprofit organization
The term small nonprofit organization has the meaning the Commission shall give such term for purposes of this subsection.
(f)
Delay of notification authorized for national security and law enforcement purposes
(1)
In general
If the United States Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation determines that
notification under this section would impede a criminal investigation or a
national security activity, such notification shall be delayed upon
written
notice from the United States Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of
Investigation to the covered entity that experienced the breach of
security. The notification from the United States Secret Service or the
Federal Bureau of Investigation shall specify the period of delay
requested for national security or law enforcement purposes.
(2)
Subsequent delay of notification
(A)
In general
If the notification required under subsection (a)(1) is
delayed pursuant to paragraph (1), a covered entity shall give
notice not more than 30 days after the day such law enforcement or
national security
delay
was invoked unless a Federal law enforcement or intelligence agency
provides
written notification that further delay is necessary.
(B)
Written justification requirements
(i)
United States Secret Service
If the United States Secret Service instructs a covered entity to delay notification under this
section beyond the 30-day period set forth in subparagraph (A) (referred
to in
this clause as subsequent delay), the United States Secret Service shall submit written justification for the subsequent delay to
the Secretary of Homeland Security before the subsequent delay begins.
(ii)
Federal Bureau of Investigation
If the Federal Bureau of Investigation instructs a covered entity to delay notification under this
section beyond the 30-day period set forth in subparagraph (A) (referred
to in
this clause as subsequent delay), the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall submit written justification for the subsequent delay
to the Attorney General before the subsequent delay begins.
(3)
Law enforcement immunity
No cause of action shall lie in any court against any Federal agency for acts relating to the delay
of notification for national security or law enforcement purposes under
this subtitle.
(g)
General exemption
(1)
In general
A covered entity shall be exempt from the requirements under this section if, following a breach of
security, the covered entity reasonably concludes that there is no
reasonable risk of identity theft, fraud, or other unlawful conduct.
(2)
FTC guidance
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission, after
consultation
with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
shall issue
guidance regarding the application of the exemption under paragraph (1).
(h)
Exemptions for national security and law enforcement purposes
(1)
In general
A covered entity shall be exempt from the notice requirements under this section if—
(A) a determination is made—
(i) by the United States Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation that notification of the
breach of security could be reasonably expected to reveal sensitive
sources and methods or similarly impede the ability of the Government to
conduct law enforcement or intelligence investigations; or
(ii) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that notification of the breach of security could be
reasonably expected to cause damage to the national security; and
(B) the United States Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as the case may be,
provides written notice of its determination under subparagraph (A) to the
covered entity.
(2)
United States Secret Service
If the United States Secret Service invokes an exemption under paragraph (1), the United States
Secret Service shall submit written justification for invoking the
exemption to the Secretary of Homeland Security before the exemption is
invoked.
(3)
Federal Bureau of Investigation
If the Federal Bureau of Investigation invokes an exemption under paragraph (1), the Federal Bureau
of Investigation shall submit written justification for invoking the
exemption to the Attorney General before the exemption is invoked.
(4)
Immunity
No cause of action shall lie in any court against any Federal agency for acts relating to
the exemption from notification for national security or law enforcement
purposes under this subtitle.
(5)
Reports
Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and upon request by Congress
thereafter, the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation shall submit to Congress a report on the number and nature
of breaches of security subject to the exemptions for national security
and law enforcement purposes under this subsection.
(i)
Financial fraud prevention exemption
(1)
In general
A covered entity shall be exempt from the notice requirements under this section if the covered
entity
utilizes or participates in a security program that—
(A) effectively blocks the use of the personally identifiable information to initiate an unauthorized
financial
transaction before it is charged to the account of the individual; and
(B) provides notice to each affected individual after a breach of security that resulted in attempted
fraud or an attempted unauthorized transaction.
(2)
Limitations
An exemption under paragraph (1) shall not apply if—
(A) the breach of security includes personally identifiable information, other than a credit card
number or credit
card security code, of any type; or
(B) the breach of security includes both the individual's credit card number and the individual's first
and last name.
(j)
Financial institutions regulated by Federal functional regulators
(1)
In general
A covered financial institution shall be deemed in compliance with this section if—
(A) the Federal functional regulator with jurisdiction over the covered financial institution has
issued a standard by regulation or guideline under title V of the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.) that—
(i) requires financial institutions within its jurisdiction to provide notification to individuals
following a breach of security; and
(ii) provides protections substantially similar to, or greater than, those required under this Act; and
(B) the covered financial institution is in compliance with the standard under subparagraph (A).
(2)
Definitions
In this subsection:
(A)
Covered financial institution
The term covered financial institution means a financial institution that is subject to—
(i) the data security requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.);
(ii) any implementing standard issued by regulation or guideline issued under that Act; and
(iii) the jurisdiction of a Federal functional regulator under that Act.
(B)
Federal functional regulator
The term Federal functional regulator has the meaning given the term in section 509 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6809).
(C)
Financial institution
The term financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 509 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6809).
(k)
Exemption; health privacy
(1)
Covered entity or business associate under HITECH Act
To the extent that a covered entity under this section acts as a covered entity or a business
associate
under section 13402 of the Health Information Technology for Economic and
Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C. 17932), has the obligation to provide
notification to individuals following a breach of security under that Act
or its implementing regulations, and is in compliance with that
obligation, the covered entity shall be deemed in compliance with this
section.
(2)
Entity subject to HITECH Act
To the extent that a covered entity under this section acts as a vendor of personal health records,
a
third party service provider, or other entity subject to section 13407 of
the Health Information Technology for Economical and Clinical Health Act
(42 U.S.C. 17937), has the obligation to provide notification to
individuals following a breach of security under that Act or its
implementing regulations, and is in compliance with that obligation, the
covered entity shall be deemed in compliance with this section.
(3)
Limitation of statutory construction
Nothing in this subtitle may be construed in any way to give effect to the sunset provision under
section 13407(g)(2) of the Health Information Technology for Economic and
Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C. 17937(g)(2)) or to otherwise limit or
affect the applicability, under section 13407 of that Act, of the
requirement to provide notification to individuals following a breach of
security for vendors of personal health records and each entity described
in clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 13424(b)(1)(A) of that Act (42
U.S.C. 17953(b)(1)(A)).
(l)
Internet website notice of Federal Trade Commission
If the Commission, upon receiving notification of any breach of security that is reported to the
Commission, finds that notification of the breach of security via the
Commission's Internet website would be in the public interest or for the
protection of consumers, the Commission shall place such a notice in a
clear and conspicuous location on its Internet website.
(m)
FTC study on notification in languages in addition to English
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall conduct a
study
on the feasibility and advisability of requiring notification provided
pursuant to subsection (d)(1) to be provided in a language in
addition to English to individuals known to speak only such other
language.
143.
Notice to law enforcement
(a)
Designation of Government entity To receive notice
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall designate a Federal Government entity to receive
notice under this section.
(b)
Notice to designated entity
A covered entity shall notify the designated entity of a breach of security if—
(1) the number of individuals whose personally identifiable information was, or is reasonably believed
to have been,
acquired or accessed as a result of the breach of security exceeds 10,000;
(2) the breach of security involves a database, networked or integrated databases, or other data system
containing the personally identifiable information of more than 1,000,000
individuals;
(3) the breach of security involves databases owned by the Federal Government; or
(4) the breach of security involves primarily personally identifiable information of individuals known
to the covered
entity to be employees or contractors of the Federal Government involved
in national security or law enforcement.
(c)
Content of notices
(1)
In general
Each notice under subsection (b) shall contain the following:
(A) The date, estimated date, or estimated date range of the breach of security.
(B) A description of the nature of the breach of security.
(C) A description of each type of personally identifiable information that was or is reasonably
believed to have been
acquired or accessed as a result of the breach of security.
(D) A statement of each paragraph under subsection (b) that applies to the breach of security.
(2)
Construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a covered entity to reveal specific or
identifying information about an individual as part of the notice under
paragraph (1).
(d)
Notice by designated entity
The designated entity shall promptly provide each notice it receives under subsection (b) to the
following:
(1) The United States Secret Service.
(2) The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(3) The Commission.
(4) The United States Postal Inspection Service, if the breach of security involves mail fraud.
(5) The attorney general of each State affected by the breach of security.
(6) Such other Federal agencies as the designated entity considers appropriate for law enforcement,
national security, or data security
purposes.
(e)
Timing of notices
Notice under this section shall be delivered as follows:
(1) Notice under subsection (b) shall be delivered as promptly as possible, but—
(A) not less than 3 business days before notification to an individual under section 142(a)(1); and
(B) not later than 10 days after the date of discovery of the events requiring notice.
(2) Notice under subsection (d) shall be delivered as promptly as possible, but not later than 1
business day after the date that the designated entity receives notice of
a breach of security from a covered entity.
E
Enforcement
151.
General
application
The requirements
of this title shall apply to any person who—
(1)
collects, uses,
transfers, or stores covered information concerning more than 5,000
individuals
during any consecutive 12-month period; and
(2)
is—
(A)
a person over
which the Commission has authority pursuant to section 5(a)(2) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 45(a)(2));
(B)
a common carrier
subject to the Communications Act of
1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), notwithstanding the definition of the
term Acts to regulate commerce in section 4 of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 44) and the exception provided by section 5(a)(2) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 45(a)(2)) for such carriers; or
(C)
a nonprofit
organization, including any organization described in section 501(c) of
the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section
501(a)
of such Code, notwithstanding the definition of the term Acts to
regulate commerce in section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44) and
the exception provided by section 5(a)(2) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
45(a)(2)) for such organizations.
152.
Enforcement by
the Federal Trade Commission
(a)
Unfair or
deceptive acts or practices
A reckless or repetitive violation of
a provision of this title, except section 143,
shall
be
treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of a
regulation
under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or
deceptive acts or practices.
(b)
Powers of
commission
(1)
In
general
Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Commission shall enforce this title, except section 143,
in the same manner,
by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as
though
all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this title.
(2)
Privileges and immunities
Except as provided in paragraph (3), any person who
violates a provision of this title, except section 143, shall be
subject to
the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in
the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
(3)
Common carriers and nonprofit organizations
The Commission shall enforce this title, except section 143, with respect to common carriers and
nonprofit
organizations
described in section 151 to the extent necessary to effectuate the
purposes of
this title as if such carriers and nonprofit organizations were persons
over
which the Commission has authority pursuant to section 5(a)(2) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 45(a)(2)).
(c)
Rulemaking
authority
(1)
Limitation
In
promulgating rules under this title, the Commission may not require the
deployment or use of any specific products or technologies, including any
specific computer software or hardware.
(2)
Administrative
procedure
The Commission shall promulgate regulations under this
title in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
(d)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this title shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission under any other
provision of law.
153.
Enforcement by Attorney General
(a)
In general
The Attorney General may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court
against any covered entity that engages in conduct constituting a
violation of section 143.
(b)
Penalties
(1)
In general
Upon proof of such conduct by a preponderance of the evidence, a covered entity shall be subject to
a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per individual whose personally
identifiable information was or is reasonably believed to have been
accessed or
acquired as a result of the breach of security that is the basis of the
violation, up to a maximum of $100,000 per day while such violation
persists.
(2)
Limitations
The total amount of the civil penalty assessed under this subsection against a covered entity for
acts or omissions relating to a single breach of security shall not exceed
$3,000,000, unless the conduct constituting a violation of subtitle D was
reckless or repeated, in which case an additional civil penalty of up to
$3,000,000 may be imposed.
(3)
Adjustment for inflation
Beginning on the date that the Consumer Price Index is first published by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics that is after 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, and each year thereafter, the amounts specified in paragraphs (1) and
(2) shall be increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price
Index published on that date from the Consumer Price Index published the
previous year.
(c)
Injunctive actions
If it appears that a covered entity has engaged, or is engaged, in any act or practice that
constitutes a violation of subtitle D, the Attorney General may petition
an appropriate United States district court for an order enjoining such
practice or enforcing compliance with such subtitle.
(d)
Issuance of order
A court may issue such an order under paragraph (c) if it finds that the conduct in question
constitutes a violation of subtitle D.
154.
Enforcement by
States
(a)
Civil
action
In any case in which the attorney general of a State has
reason to believe that an interest of the residents of that State has been
or
is adversely affected by a covered entity who violates any part of this
title in
a manner that results in economic or physical harm to an individual or
engages
in a pattern or practice that violates any part of this title other than
section 143, the attorney general may, as parens patriae, bring a civil
action on
behalf of the residents of the State in an appropriate district court of
the
United States—
(1)
to enjoin further
violation of this title or a regulation promulgated under this title by
the
defendant;
(2)
to compel
compliance with this title or a regulation promulgated under this title;
or
(3)
for violations of
this title or a regulation promulgated under this title to obtain civil
penalties
in the amount determined under section title.
(b)
Rights of
Federal Trade Commission
(1)
Notice to
Federal Trade Commission
(A)
In
general
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the attorney
general of a State shall notify the Commission in writing of
any
civil action under subsection (b), prior to initiating such civil
action.
(B)
Contents
The
notice required by subparagraph (A) shall include a copy of the complaint
to be
filed to initiate such civil action.
(C)
Exception
If
it is not feasible for the attorney general of a State to provide the
notice
required by subparagraph (A), the State shall provide notice immediately
upon
instituting a civil action under subsection (b).
(2)
Intervention by
Federal Trade Commission
Upon receiving notice required by
paragraph (1) with respect to a civil action, the Commission
may—
(A)
intervene in such
action; and
(B)
upon
intervening—
(i)
be
heard on all matters arising in such civil action; and
(ii)
file petitions
for appeal of a decision in such action.
(c)
Preemptive
action by Federal Trade Commission
If the Commission institutes a civil action for violation of this title or a
regulation
promulgated under this title, no attorney general of a State may bring a
civil
action under subsection (a) against any defendant named in the complaint
of the
Commission for violation of this title or a regulation promulgated under
this title
that is alleged in such complaint.
(d)
Investigatory
powers
Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the
attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on such
attorney general by the laws of such State to conduct investigations or to
administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of witnesses
or
the production of documentary and other evidence.
(e)
Venue; service
of process
(1)
Venue
Any
action brought under subsection (a) may be brought in—
(A) the
district court of the United States that meets applicable requirements
relating
to venue under section 1391 of title 28, United States Code; or
(B) another court of
competent jurisdiction.
(2)
Service of
process
In an action brought under subsection (a), process may be
served in any district in which the defendant—
(A) is
an inhabitant; or
(B) may be
found.
(f)
Actions by other
State officials
(1)
In
general
In addition to civil actions brought by attorneys general
under subsection (a), any other officer of a State who is authorized by
the
State to do so may bring a civil action under subsection (a), subject to
the
same requirements and limitations that apply under this section to
civil
actions brought by attorneys general.
(2)
Savings
provision
Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit
an authorized official of a State from initiating or continuing any
proceeding
in a court of the State for a violation of any civil or criminal law of
the
State.
155.
Civil
penalties
(a)
In
general
In an action brought under section 154, in addition to
any other penalty otherwise applicable to a violation of this title or any
regulation promulgated under this title, the following civil penalties
shall
apply:
(1)
Subtitle A
violations
A covered entity that recklessly or repeatedly violates
subtitle A is liable for a civil penalty equal to the amount calculated by
multiplying the number of days that the entity is not in compliance with
such
subtitle by an amount not to exceed $33,000.
(2)
Subtitle B
violations
A covered entity that recklessly or repeatedly violates
subtitle B is liable for a civil penalty equal to the amount calculated by
multiplying the number of days that such an entity is not in compliance
with
such subtitle, or the number of individuals for whom the entity failed to
obtain
consent as required by such subtitle, whichever is greater, by an amount
not
to
exceed $33,000.
(3)
Subtitle D violations
A covered entity that recklessly or repeatedly violates section 142 is liable for a civil penalty
equal to the amount calculated by multiplying the number of violations of
such section by an amount not to exceed $33,000. Each failure to send
notification as required under such section to a resident of the State
shall be treated as a separate violation.
(b)
Adjustment for
inflation
Beginning on the date that the Consumer Price Index for
All Urban Consumers is first published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
that
is after 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and each year
thereafter, each of the amounts specified in subsection (a) shall be
increased
by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index published on that
date
from the Consumer Price Index published the previous year.
(c)
Maximum total
liability
Notwithstanding the number of actions which may be
brought against a covered entity under section 154, the maximum civil
penalty
for which any covered entity may be liable under this section in such
actions
shall not exceed—
(1)
$6,000,000 for
any related series of violations of any rule promulgated under subtitle A;
(2)
$6,000,000 for
any related series of violations of subtitle B; and
(3) $6,000,000 for any related series of violations of section 142.
156.
Effect on
other laws
(a)
Preemption of
State laws
The provisions of this title shall supersede any
provisions of the law of any State relating to those entities covered by
the
regulations issued pursuant to this title, to the extent that such
provisions
relate to the collection, use, or disclosure of—
(1)
covered
information addressed in this title; or
(2)
personally
identifiable information or personal identification information addressed
in
provisions of the law of a State.
(b)
Unauthorized
civil actions; certain State laws
(1)
Unauthorized
actions
No person other than a person specified in section 154
may bring a civil action under the laws of any State if such action is
premised
in whole or in part upon the defendant violating this title or a
regulation
promulgated under this title.
(2)
Protection of
certain state laws
This title shall not be construed to preempt the
applicability of—
(A)
State laws that
address the collection, use, or disclosure of health information or
financial
information; or
(B)
other State laws
to the extent that those laws relate to acts of fraud.
(c)
Rule of
construction relating to required disclosures to government
entities
This title shall not be construed to expand or limit the
duty or authority of a covered entity or third party to disclose
personally
identifiable information to a government entity under any provision of
law.
157.
No private
right of action
This title may
not be construed to provide any private right of action.
F
Co-Regulatory
safe harbor programs
161.
Establishment
of safe harbor programs
(a)
In
general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to
establish
requirements for the establishment and administration of safe harbor
programs
under which a nongovernmental organization will administer a program
that—
(1)
establishes a
mechanism for participants to implement the requirements of this title
with
regards to—
(A)
certain types of
unauthorized uses of covered information as described in paragraph (2);
or
(B)
any unauthorized
use of covered information; and
(2)
offers consumers
a clear, conspicuous, persistent, and effective means of opting out of the
transfer of covered information by a covered entity participating in the
safe
harbor program to a third party for—
(A)
behavioral
advertising purposes;
(B)
location-based
advertising purposes;
(C)
other specific
types of unauthorized use; or
(D)
any unauthorized
use.
(b)
Selection of
nongovernmental organizations To administer program
(1)
Submittal of
applications
An applicant seeking to administer a program under
the requirements established pursuant to subsection (a) shall submit to
the
Commission an application therefor at such time, in such manner, and
containing
such information as the Commission may require.
(2)
Notice and
receipt of applications
Upon completion of the rulemaking
proceedings required by subsection (a), the Commission shall—
(A)
publish a notice
in the Federal Register that it will receive applications for approval of
safe
harbor programs under this subtitle; and
(B)
begin receiving
applications under paragraph (1).
(3)
Selection
Not
later than 270 days after the date on which the Commission receives a
completed
application under this subsection, the Commission shall grant or deny the
application on the basis of the Commission's evaluation of the applicant’s
capacity to provide protection of individuals’ covered information with
regard
to specific types of unauthorized uses of covered information as described
in
subsection (a)(2) that is substantially equivalent to or superior to the
protection otherwise provided under this title.
(4)
Written
findings
Any decision reached by the Commission under this
subsection shall be accompanied by written findings setting forth the
basis for
and reasons supporting such decision.
(c)
Scope of safe
harbor protection
The scope of protection offered by safe harbor
programs approved by the Commission that establish mechanisms for
participants
to implement the requirements of the title only for certain uses of
covered
information as described in subsection (a)(2) shall be limited to
participating
entities’ use of those particular types of covered information.
(d)
Supervision by
Federal Trade Commission
(1)
In
general
The Commission shall exercise oversight and supervisory
authority of a safe harbor program approved under this section through—
(A)
ongoing review of
the practices of the nongovernmental organization administering the
program;
(B)
the imposition of
civil penalties on the nongovernmental organization if it is not compliant
with
the requirements established under subsection (a); and
(C)
withdrawal of
authorization to administer the safe harbor program under this subtitle.
(2)
Annual reports
by nongovernmental organizations
Each year, each nongovernmental
organization administering a safe harbor program under this section shall
submit to the Commission a report on its activities under this subtitle
during the
preceding year.
162.
Participation
in safe harbor program
(a)
Exemption
Any
covered entity that participates in, and demonstrates compliance with, a
safe
harbor program administered under section 161 shall be exempt from any
provision of
subtitle B or subtitle C if the Commission finds that the requirements of
the
safe
harbor program are substantially the same as or more protective of privacy
of
individuals than the requirements of the provision from which the
exemption is
granted.
(b)
Limitation
Nothing
in this subtitle shall be construed to exempt any covered entity
participating in
a safe harbor program from compliance with any other requirement of the
regulations promulgated under this title for which the safe harbor does
not
provide an exception.
G
Application with
other Federal laws
171.
Application
with other Federal laws
(a)
Qualified
exemption for persons subject to other Federal privacy laws
If a
person is subject to a provision of this title and a provision of a
Federal
privacy law described in subsection (d), such provision of this title
shall
not
apply to such person to the extent that such provision of Federal privacy
law
applies to such person.
(b)
Protection of
other Federal privacy laws
Nothing in this title may be construed
to modify, limit, or supersede the operation of the Federal privacy laws
described in subsection (d) or the provision of information permitted or
required, expressly or by implication, by such laws, with respect to
Federal
rights and practices.
(c)
Communications
infrastructure and privacy
If a person is subject to a provision
of section 222 or 631 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 222 and
551)
and a provision of this title, such provision of such section 222 or 631
shall
not apply to such person to the extent that such provision of this title
applies
to such person.
(d)
Other Federal
privacy laws described
The Federal privacy laws described in this
subsection are as follows:
(1)
Section 552a of
title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974).
(2)
The Right to
Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.).
(3)
The Fair Credit
Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
(4)
The Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq.).
(5)
The Children’s
Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
(6)
Title V of the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.).
(7)
Chapters 119,
123, and 206 of title 18, United States Code.
(8)
Section 2710 of
title 18, United States Code.
(9)
Section 444 of
the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly referred
to as
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974).
(10)
Section 445 of
the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232h).
(11)
The Privacy
Protection Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 2000aa et seq.).
(12)
The regulations
promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note), as such regulations
relate
to a person described in section 1172(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C.
1320d–1(a)) or to transactions referred to in section 1173(a)(1) of such
Act
(42 U.S.C. 1320d–2(a)(1)).
(13)
The
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (47 U.S.C. 1001 et
seq.).
(14)
Section 227 of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227).
H
Development of
commercial data privacy policy in the Department of Commerce
181.
Direction to
develop commercial data privacy policy
The Secretary of Commerce shall contribute
to the development of commercial data privacy policy by—
(1)
convening private
sector stakeholders, including members of industry, civil society groups,
academia, in open forums, to develop codes of conduct in support of
applications for safe harbor programs under subtitle F;
(2)
expanding
interoperability between the United States commercial data privacy
framework
and other national and regional privacy frameworks;
(3)
conducting
research related to improving privacy protection under this title; and
(4)
conducting
research related to improving data sharing practices, including the use of
anonymised data, and growing the information economy.
II
Online privacy of children
201.
Short title
This title may be cited as the Do Not Track Kids Act of 2014.
202.
Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1) Since the enactment of the Children’s
Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, the World Wide Web has changed
dramatically, with the creation of tens of millions of websites, the
proliferation of entirely new media platforms, and the emergence of a
diverse
ecosystem of services, devices, and applications that enable users to
connect
wirelessly within an online environment without being tethered to a
desktop
computer.
(2) The explosive growth of the Internet
ecosystem has unleashed a wide array of opportunities to learn,
communicate,
participate in civic life, access entertainment, and engage in commerce.
(3) In addition to these significant benefits,
the Internet also presents challenges, particularly with respect to the
efforts
of entities to track the online activities of children and minors and to
collect, use, and disclose personal information about them, including
their
geolocation, for commercial purposes.
(4) Children and teens are visiting numerous
companies’ websites, and marketers are using multimedia games, online
quizzes,
and mobile phone and tablet applications to create ties to children and
teens.
(5) According to a study by the Wall Street
Journal in 2010, websites directed to children and teens were more likely
to
use cookies and other tracking tools than sites directed to a general
audience.
(6) This study examined 50 popular websites for
children and teens in the United States and found that these 50 sites
placed
4,123 cookies, beacons, and other tracking tools on the test computer used
for
the study.
(7) This is 30 percent greater than the number
of such tracking tools that were placed on the test computer in a similar
study
of the 50 overall most popular websites in the United States, which are
generally directed to adults.
(8) Children and teens
lack the cognitive ability to distinguish advertising from program content
and
to understand that the purpose of advertising is to persuade them, making
them
unable to activate the defenses on which adults rely.
(9) Children and teens
are less able than adults to understand the potential long-term
consequences of
having their information available to third parties, including
advertisers, and
other individuals.
(10) According to
Common Sense Media and the Center for Digital Democracy, 90 percent of
teens
have used some form of social media, 75 percent have a social networking
site,
and 51 percent check their social networking site at least once a day.
(11) Ninety-one
percent of parents and 91 percent of adults believe it is not okay for
advertisers to collect information about a child’s location from that
child’s
mobile phone.
(12) Ninety-four
percent of parents and 91 percent of adults agree that advertisers should
receive the parent’s permission before putting tracking software on a
child’s
computer.
(13) Ninety-six
percent of parents and 94 percent of adults expressed disapproval when
asked if
it is okay for a website to ask children for personal information about
their friends.
(14) Eighty-eight percent of parents would
support a law that requires search engines and social networking sites to
get
users’ permission before using their personal information.
(15) A Commonsense Media/Zogby poll found that
94 percent of parents and 94 percent of adults believe individuals should
have
the ability to request the deletion, after a specific period of time, of
all of
their personal information held by an online search engine, social
networking
site, or marketing company.
(16) According to a Pew/Berkman Center poll, 69
percent of parents of teens who engage in online activity are concerned
about
how that activity might affect their children’s future academic or
employment
opportunities.
(17) Eighty-one percent of parents of teens who
engage in online activity say they are concerned about how much
information
advertisers can learn about their children’s online activity.
203.
Definitions
(a)
In
general
In this title:
(1)
Minor
The
term minor means an individual over the age of 12 and under the
age of 16.
(2)
Targeted
marketing
The term targeted marketing means
advertising or other efforts to market a product or service that are
directed
to a specific individual or device—
(A) based on the
personal information of the individual or a unique identifier of the
device;
and
(B) as a result of use by the individual, or
access by the device, of a website, online service, online application, or
mobile application.
(b)
Terms defined by
Commission
In this title, the
terms directed to minors and geolocation information
shall have the meanings given such terms by the Commission by regulation.
Not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Commission
shall promulgate, under section 553 of title 5, United States Code,
regulations
that define such terms broadly enough so that they are not limited to
current
technology, consistent with the principles articulated by the Commission
regarding the definition of the term Internet in its statement of
basis and purpose on the final rule under the Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) promulgated on November 3,
1999
(64 Fed. Reg. 59891).
(c)
Other
definitions
The definitions
set forth in section 1302 of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
of
1998 (15 U.S.C. 6501), as amended by section 3(a), shall apply in this
title,
except to the extent the Commission provides otherwise by regulations
issued
under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
204.
Online
collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children
(a)
Definitions
Section 1302 of the Children’s Online
Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 6501) is amended—
(1) by amending
paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
Operator
The term operator—
(A) means any person who, for commercial
purposes, in interstate or foreign commerce, operates or provides a
website on
the Internet, online service, online application, or mobile
application, and
who—
(i) collects or maintains, either directly or
through a service provider, personal information from or about the
users of
such website, service, or application;
(ii) allows another person to collect personal
information directly from users of such website, service, or
application (in
which case the operator is deemed to have collected the
information); or
(iii) allows users of such website, service, or
application to publicly disclose personal information (in which
case the
operator is deemed to have collected the information); and
(B) does not include
any nonprofit entity that would otherwise be exempt from coverage
under section
5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
45).
;
(2) in paragraph
(4)—
(A) by amending
subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A) the release of personal information for any
purpose, except where such information is provided to a person
other than an
operator who provides support for the internal operations of the
website,
online service, online application, or mobile application of the
operator and
does not disclose or use that information for any other purpose;
and
;
and
(B) in subparagraph
(B), by striking website or online service and inserting
website, online service, online application, or mobile
application;
(3) in paragraph
(8)—
(A) by amending
subparagraph (G) to read as follows:
(G) information concerning a child or the
parents of that child (including any unique or substantially unique
identifier,
such as a customer number) that an operator collects online from
the child and
combines with an identifier described in subparagraphs (A) through
(G).
;
(B) by redesignating
subparagraphs (F) and (G) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively;
and
(C) by inserting after
subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph:
(F) information (including an Internet protocol
address) that permits the identification of an individual, the
computer of an
individual, or any other device used by an individual to access the
Internet or
an online service, online application, or mobile
application;
;
(4) by striking
paragraph (10) and redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs
(10)
and (11), respectively; and
(5) by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
(12)
Online, online
service, online application, mobile application, directed to
children
The terms
online, online service, online
application, mobile application, and directed to
children shall have the meanings given such terms by the Commission by
regulation. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of the
Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2014,
the Commission shall promulgate, under section 553 of title 5,
United States
Code, regulations that define such terms broadly enough so that
they are not
limited to current technology, consistent with the principles
articulated by
the Commission regarding the definition of the term Internet in
its statement of basis and purpose on the final rule under this
title
promulgated on November 3, 1999 (64 Fed. Reg. 59891). The
definition of the
term online service in such regulations shall include broadband
Internet access service (as defined in the Report and Order of the
Federal
Communications Commission relating to the matter of preserving the
open
Internet and broadband industry practices (FCC 10–201, adopted by
the
Commission on December 21,
2010)).
.
(b)
Online
collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of
children
Section 1303 of the
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 6502) is
amended—
(1) by striking the
heading and inserting the following: Online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of
children.;
(2) in subsection
(a)—
(A) by amending
paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
In
general
It is unlawful for an
operator of a website, online service, online application, or
mobile
application directed to children, or an operator having actual
knowledge that
personal information being collected is from a child, to collect
personal
information from a child in a manner that violates the regulations
prescribed
under subsection (b).
;
and
(B) in paragraph
(2)—
(i) by
striking of such a website or online service; and
(ii) by
striking subsection (b)(1)(B)(iii) and inserting
subsection (b)(1)(C)(iii); and
(3) in subsection (b)—
(A) by amending
paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
In
general
Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of the Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2014, the Commission shall promulgate, under
section 553 of title 5, United States Code, regulations to require
an operator
of a website, online service, online application, or mobile
application
directed to children, or an operator having actual knowledge that
personal
information being collected is from a child—
(A) to provide clear
and conspicuous notice in clear and plain language of the types of
personal
information the operator collects, how the operator uses such
information,
whether the operator discloses such information, and the procedures
or
mechanisms the operator uses to ensure that personal information is
not
collected from children except in accordance with the regulations
promulgated
under this paragraph;
(B) to obtain verifiable parental consent for
the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information of a
child;
(C) to provide to a
parent whose child has provided personal information to the
operator, upon
request by and proper identification of the parent—
(i) a
description of the specific types of personal information collected
from the
child by the operator;
(ii) the opportunity
at any time to refuse to permit the further use or maintenance in
retrievable
form, or future collection, by the operator of personal information
collected
from the child; and
(iii) a means that is
reasonable under the circumstances for the parent to obtain any
personal
information collected from the child, if such information is
available to the
operator at the time the parent makes the request;
(D) not to condition
participation in a game, or use of a website, service, or
application, by a
child on the provision by the child of more personal information
than is
reasonably required to participate in the game or use the website,
service, or
application; and
(E) to establish and
maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality,
security, and
integrity of personal information collected from
children.
;
(B) in paragraph (2)—
(i) in
the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph
(1)(A)(ii) and inserting paragraph (1)(B); and
(ii) in
subparagraph (A), by inserting or to contact a different child
after to recontact the child;
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as
follows:
(3)
Continuation of
service
The regulations shall
prohibit an operator from discontinuing service provided to a child
on the
basis of refusal by the parent of the child, under the regulations
prescribed
under paragraph (1)(C)(ii), to permit the further use or
maintenance in
retrievable form, or future collection, by the operator of personal
information
collected from the child, to the extent that the operator is
capable of
providing such service without such
information.
;
and
(D) by adding at the
end the following:
(4)
Rule for
treatment of users of websites, services, and applications directed
to
children
An operator of a
website, online service, online application, or mobile application
that is
directed to children shall treat all users of such website,
service, or
application as children for purposes of this title, except as
permitted by the
Commission by a regulation promulgated under this
title.
.
(c)
Administration
and applicability of Act
Section 1306 of the Children's Online
Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 6505) is amended—
(1) in subsection
(b)—
(A) in paragraph (1),
by striking , in the case of and all that follows and inserting
the following: by the appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to
any insured depository institution (as such terms are defined in section 3
of
such Act (12 U.S.C. 1813));; and
(B) by striking
paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs
(2)
through (5), respectively; and
(2) by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
(f)
Telecommunications
carriers and cable operators
(1)
Enforcement by
FTC
Notwithstanding section
5(a)(2) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(2)),
compliance
with the requirements imposed under this title shall be enforced by
the
Commission with respect to any telecommunications carrier (as
defined in
section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153)).
(2)
Relationship to
other law
To the extent that
sections 222, 338(i), and 631 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 222;
338(i); 551) are inconsistent with this title, this title
controls.
.
205.
Targeted
marketing to children or minors
(a)
Acts
prohibited
It is unlawful
for—
(1) an operator of a website, online service,
online application, or mobile application directed to children, or an
operator
having actual knowledge that personal information being collected is from
a
child, to use, disclose to third parties, or compile personal information
for
targeted marketing purposes without verifiable parental consent; or
(2) an operator of a website, online service,
online application, or mobile application directed to minors, or an
operator
having actual knowledge that personal information being collected is from
a
minor, to use, disclose to third parties, or compile personal information
for
targeted marketing purposes without the consent of the minor.
(b)
Regulations
Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate, under section 553
of
title 5, United States Code, regulations to implement this section.
206.
Digital Marketing
Bill of Rights for Teens and Fair Information Practices Principles
(a)
Acts
prohibited
It is unlawful for
an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile
application directed to minors, or an operator having actual knowledge
that
personal information being collected is from a minor, to collect personal
information from a minor unless such operator has adopted and complies
with a
Digital Marketing Bill of Rights for Teens that is consistent with the
Fair
Information Practices Principles described in subsection (b).
(b)
Fair Information
Practices Principles
The Fair
Information Practices Principles described in this subsection are the
following:
(1)
Collection
limitation principle
Except
as provided in paragraph (3), personal information should be collected
from a
minor only when collection of the personal information is—
(A) consistent with the context of a particular
transaction or service or the relationship of the minor with the operator,
including collection necessary to fulfill a transaction or provide a
service
requested by the minor; or
(B) required or
specifically authorized by law.
(2)
Data quality
principle
The personal
information of a minor should be accurate, complete, and kept up-to-date
to the
extent necessary to fulfill the purposes described in subparagraphs (A)
through
(D) of paragraph (3).
(3)
Purpose
specification principle
The
purposes for which personal information is collected should be specified
to the
minor not later than at the time of the collection of the information. The
subsequent use or disclosure of the information should be limited to—
(A) fulfillment of the
transaction or service requested by the minor;
(B) support for the
internal operations of the website, service, or application, as described
in
section 312.2 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations;
(C) compliance with
legal process or other purposes expressly authorized under specific legal
authority; or
(D) other
purposes—
(i) that
are specified in a notice to the minor; and
(ii) to
which the minor has consented under paragraph (7) before the information
is
used or disclosed for such other purposes.
(4)
Retention
limitation principle
The
personal information of a minor should not be retained for longer than is
necessary to fulfill a transaction or provide a service requested by the
minor
or such other purposes specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of
paragraph
(3). The operator should implement a reasonable and appropriate data
disposal
policy based on the nature and sensitivity of such personal information.
(5)
Security
safeguards principle
The
personal information of a minor should be protected by reasonable and
appropriate security safeguards against risks such as loss or unauthorized
access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.
(6)
Openness
principle
(A)
In
general
The operator should maintain a general policy of openness
about developments, practices, and policies with respect to the personal
information of a minor. The operator should provide each minor using the
website, online service, online application, or mobile application of the
operator with a clear and prominent means—
(i) to
identify and contact the operator, by, at a minimum, disclosing, clearly
and
prominently, the identity of the operator and—
(I) in the case of an
operator who is an individual, the address of the principal residence of
the
operator and an e-mail address and telephone number for the operator; or
(II) in the case of
any other operator, the address of the principal place of business of the
operator and an e-mail address and telephone number for the operator;
(ii) to
determine whether the operator possesses any personal information of the
minor,
the nature of any such information, and the purposes for which the
information
was collected and is being retained;
(iii) to
obtain any personal information of the minor that is in the possession of
the
operator from the operator, or from a person specified by the operator,
within
a reasonable time after making a request, at a charge (if any) that is not
excessive, in a reasonable manner, and in a form that is readily
intelligible
to the minor;
(iv) to
challenge the accuracy of personal information of the minor that is in the
possession of the operator; and
(v) if
the minor establishes the inaccuracy of personal information in a
challenge
under clause (iv), to have such information erased, corrected, completed,
or
otherwise amended.
(B)
Limitation
Nothing
in this paragraph shall be construed to permit an operator to erase or
otherwise modify personal information requested by a law enforcement
agency
pursuant to legal authority.
(7)
Individual
participation principle
The
operator should—
(A) obtain consent
from a minor before using or disclosing the personal information of the
minor
for any purpose other than the purposes described in subparagraphs (A)
through
(C) of paragraph (3); and
(B) obtain affirmative
express consent from a minor before using or disclosing previously
collected
personal information of the minor for purposes that constitute a material
change in practice from the original purposes specified to the minor under
paragraph (3).
(c)
Regulations
Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate, under section 553
of
title 5, United States Code, regulations to implement this section,
including
regulations further defining the Fair Information Practices Principles
described in subsection (b).
207.
Online collection
of geolocation information of children and minors
(a)
Acts
prohibited
(1)
In
general
It is unlawful for an
operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile
application directed to children or minors, or an operator having actual
knowledge that geolocation information being collected is from a child or
minor, to collect geolocation information from a child or minor in a
manner
that violates the regulations prescribed under subsection (b).
(2)
Disclosure to
parent or minor protected
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), neither
an operator nor the operator’s agent shall be held to be liable under any
Federal or State law for any disclosure made in good faith and following
reasonable procedures in responding to a request for disclosure of
geolocation
information under subparagraph (C)(ii)(III) or (D)(ii)(III) of subsection
(b)(1).
(b)
Regulations
(1)
In
general
Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
promulgate,
under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, regulations that require
an
operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile
application directed to children or minors, or an operator having actual
knowledge that geolocation information being collected is from a child or
minor—
(A) to provide clear and conspicuous notice in
clear and plain language of any geolocation information the operator
collects,
how the operator uses such information, and whether the operator discloses
such
information;
(B) to establish
procedures or mechanisms to ensure that geolocation information is not
collected from children or minors except in accordance with regulations
promulgated under this paragraph;
(C) in the case of collection of geolocation
information from a child—
(i) prior to
collecting such information, to obtain verifiable parental consent; and
(ii) after collecting
such information, to provide to the parent of the child, upon request by
and
proper identification of the parent—
(I) a
description of the geolocation information collected from the child by the
operator;
(II) the opportunity
at any time to refuse to permit the further use or maintenance in
retrievable
form, or future collection, by the operator of geolocation information
from the
child; and
(III) a means that is reasonable under the
circumstances for the parent to obtain any geolocation information
collected
from the child, if such information is available to the operator at the
time
the parent makes the request; and
(D) in the case of collection of geolocation
information from a minor—
(i) prior to collecting such information, to
obtain affirmative express consent from such minor; and
(ii) after collecting
such information, to provide to the minor, upon request—
(I) a
description of the geolocation information collected from the minor by the
operator;
(II) the opportunity
at any time to refuse to permit the further use or maintenance in
retrievable
form, or future collection, by the operator of geolocation information
from the
minor; and
(III) a means that is reasonable under the
circumstances for the minor to obtain any geolocation information
collected
from the minor, if such information is available to the operator at the
time
the minor makes the request.
(2)
When consent not
required
The regulations
promulgated under paragraph (1) shall provide that verifiable parental
consent
under subparagraph (C)(i) of such paragraph or affirmative express consent
under subparagraph (D)(i) of such paragraph is not required when the
collection
of the geolocation information of a child or minor is necessary, to the
extent
permitted under other provisions of law, to provide information to law
enforcement agencies or for an investigation on a matter related to public
safety.
(3)
Continuation of
service
The regulations
promulgated under paragraph (1) shall prohibit an operator from
discontinuing
service provided to—
(A) a child on the basis of refusal by the
parent of the child, under subparagraph (C)(ii)(II) of such paragraph, to
permit the further use or maintenance in retrievable form, or future
online
collection, of geolocation information from the child by the operator, to
the
extent that the operator is capable of providing such service without such
information; or
(B) a minor on the basis of refusal by the
minor, under subparagraph (D)(ii)(II) of such paragraph, to permit the
further
use or maintenance in retrievable form, or future online collection, of
geolocation information from the minor by the operator, to the extent that
the
operator is capable of providing such service without such information.
(c)
Inconsistent
State law
No State or local
government may impose any liability for commercial activities or actions
by
operators in interstate or foreign commerce in connection with an activity
or
action described in this section that is inconsistent with the treatment
of
those activities or actions under this section.
208.
Removal of
content
(a)
Acts
prohibited
It is unlawful for
an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile
application to make publicly available through the website, service, or
application content or information that contains or displays personal
information of children or minors in a manner that violates the
regulations
prescribed under subsection (b).
(b)
Regulations
(1)
In
general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Commission shall promulgate, under section 553 of title 5,
United
States Code, regulations that require an operator—
(A) to the extent technologically feasible, to
implement mechanisms that permit a user of the website, service, or
application
of the operator to erase or otherwise eliminate content or information
submitted to the website, service, or application by such user that is
publicly
available through the website, service, or application and contains or
displays
personal information of children or minors; and
(B) to take appropriate steps to make users
aware of such mechanisms and to provide notice to users that such
mechanisms do
not necessarily provide comprehensive removal of the content or
information
submitted by such users.
(2)
Exception
The
regulations promulgated under paragraph (1) may not require an operator or
third party to erase or otherwise eliminate content or information that—
(A) any other provision of Federal or State law
requires the operator or third party to maintain; or
(B) was submitted to the website, service, or
application of the operator by any person other than the user who is
attempting
to erase or otherwise eliminate such content or information, including
content
or information submitted by such user that was republished or resubmitted
by
another person.
(3)
Limitation
Nothing
in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of a law
enforcement
agency to obtain any content or information from an operator as authorized
by
law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
209.
Enforcement and
applicability
(a)
Enforcement by
the Commission
(1)
In
general
Except as otherwise provided, this title and the
regulations prescribed under this title shall be enforced by the
Commission
under
the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
(2)
Unfair or
deceptive acts or practices
Subject to subsection (b), a violation of
this title or a regulation prescribed under this title shall be treated as
a
violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice
prescribed
under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
57a(a)(1)(B)).
(3)
Actions by the
Commission
(A)
In general
Subject to
subsection (b), and except as provided in subsection (d)(1), the
Commission
shall prevent any person from violating this title or a regulation
prescribed
under this title in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same
jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and
provisions
of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were
incorporated
into and made a part of this title.
(B)
Privileges and immunities
Any person who violates this title
or
a
regulation prescribed under this title shall be subject to the penalties
and entitled to the
privileges and
immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
seq.).
(b)
Enforcement by
certain other agencies
Notwithstanding subsection (a), compliance
with the requirements imposed under this title shall be enforced as
follows:
(1) Under section 8 of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818) by the appropriate Federal banking agency,
with
respect to an insured depository institution (as such terms are defined in
section 3 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)).
(2) Under the Federal
Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) by the National Credit Union
Administration Board, with respect to any Federal credit union.
(3) Under part A of
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code, by the Secretary of
Transportation, with respect to any air carrier or foreign air carrier
subject
to such part.
(4) Under the Packers
and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) (except as provided in
section
406 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 226; 227)) by the Secretary of Agriculture, with
respect to any activities subject to such Act.
(5) Under the Farm
Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.) by the Farm Credit
Administration,
with respect to any Federal land bank, Federal land bank association,
Federal
intermediate credit bank, or production credit association.
(c)
Enforcement by
States
(1)
Civil
actions
In any case in which
the attorney general of a State has reason to believe that an interest of
the
residents of that State has been or is threatened or adversely affected by
the
engagement of any person in a practice that violates this title or a
regulation
prescribed under this title, the State, as parens patriae, may bring a
civil
action on behalf of the residents of the State in a district court of the
United States of appropriate jurisdiction to—
(A) enjoin that
practice;
(B) enforce
compliance with this title or such regulation;
(C) obtain damages,
restitution, or other compensation on behalf of residents of the State;
or
(D) obtain such other
relief as the court may consider to be appropriate.
(2)
Rights of Federal Trade Commission
(A)
Notice to Federal Trade Commission
(i)
In
general
Except as provided in clause (iii), the attorney general
of a State shall notify the Federal Trade Commission in writing that the
attorney general intends to bring a civil action under paragraph (1)
before
initiating the civil action.
(ii)
Contents
The
notification required by clause (i) with respect to a civil action shall
include a copy of the complaint to be filed to initiate the civil
action.
(iii)
Exception
If
it is not feasible for the attorney general of a State to provide the
notification required by clause (i) before initiating a civil action under
paragraph (1), the attorney general shall notify the Federal Trade
Commission
immediately upon instituting the civil action.
(B)
Intervention by
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission may—
(i) intervene in any
civil action brought by the attorney general of a State under paragraph
(1);
and
(ii) upon
intervening—
(I) be heard on all
matters arising in the civil action; and
(II) file petitions
for appeal of a decision in the civil action.
(3)
Investigatory powers
For
purposes of bringing any civil action under paragraph (1), nothing in this
title
shall be construed to prevent an attorney general of a State from
exercising
the powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of that State
to—
(A) conduct
investigations;
(B) administer oaths
or affirmations; or
(C) compel the
attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and other
evidence.
(4)
Preemptive
action by Federal Trade Commission
If the Federal Trade
Commission institutes a civil action or an administrative action with
respect
to a violation of this title, the attorney general of a
State may
not, during the pendency of such action, bring a civil action under
paragraph
(1) against any defendant named in the complaint of the Commission for the
violation with respect to which the Commission instituted such action.
(5)
Venue; service
of process
(A)
Venue
Any
action brought under paragraph (1) may be brought in the district court of
the
United States that meets applicable requirements relating to venue under
section 1391 of title 28, United States Code.
(B)
Service of
process
In an action brought under paragraph (1), process may be
served in any district in which the defendant—
(i) is
an inhabitant; or
(ii) may
be found.
(6)
Actions by other
State officials
(A)
In
general
In addition to civil actions brought by attorneys general
under paragraph (1), any other officer of a State who is authorized by the
State to do so may bring a civil action under paragraph (1), subject to
the
same requirements and limitations that apply under this subsection to
civil
actions brought by attorneys general.
(B)
Savings
provision
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit
an authorized official of a State from initiating or continuing any
proceeding
in a court of the State for a violation of any civil or criminal law of
the
State.
(d)
Telecommunications
carriers and cable operators
(1)
Enforcement by
FTC
Notwithstanding section
5(a)(2) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(2)),
compliance
with the requirements imposed under this title shall be enforced by the
Commission with respect to any telecommunications carrier (as defined in
section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153)).
(2)
Relationship to
other law
To the extent that
sections 222, 338(i), and 631 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
222;
338(i); 551) are inconsistent with this title, this title controls.
210.
Rule for
treatment of users of websites, services, and applications directed to
children
or minors
An operator of a
website, online service, online application, or mobile application that is
directed to children or minors shall treat all users of such website,
service,
or application as children or minors (as the case may be) for purposes of
this
title, except as permitted by the Commission by a regulation promulgated
under
this title.
211.
Effective
dates
(a)
In
general
Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this title
and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date that
is
1
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b)
Authority To
promulgate regulations
The following shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act:
(1) The amendments made by subsections (a)(5)
and (b)(3)(A) of section 204.
(2) Sections 205(b),
206(c), 207(b), and 208(b).
(3) Subsections (b)
and (c) of section 203.
(c)
Digital
Marketing Bill of Rights for Teens
Section 206, except for
subsection (c) of such section, shall take effect on the date that is 180
days
after the promulgation of regulations under such subsection.