Reps. DeGette and Barton Call for Better Approaches to Data Privacy

Statement

Today marks the 8th Annual Data Privacy Day, which has served as a day for both businesses and consumers to come together in support of our vital right to information security on the internet. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Joe Barton (TX-06), co-Chairs of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, issued the following joint statement:

"We live in a digital age of smartphones, tablets, and social media. More than ever before, we are able to connect to our families and friends across the globe because of dramatic steps forward in technological innovation. As technology becomes a larger part of our personal and professional lives, we must ensure that everybody knows how to protect their personal information online. It is vital that consumers are informed about their rights to privacy online. It is also vital that businesses are held accountable for keeping consumers' information safe. Digital innovation and preserving personal privacy can and should go hand in hand."

"As the co-Chairs of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, we look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as our partners in the federal government and private industry. We all share an interest in improving privacy protections and will work to find a series of long term solutions."

Data Privacy Day commemorates the 1981 signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. Data Privacy Day is held on January 28th every year.

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