Congress Looking at Cybersecurity, Privacy Issues 

While national attention is focused on today's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, Congress appears to be on a path toward considering privacy and Internet security issues.

Yesterday, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and several other top Republicans introduced a new version of cybersecurity legislation, SECURE IT, S 3342. This follows a report by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has told Senate Democrats that Cybersecurity issues will soon be on the Senate floor.

Although cybersecurity legislation does not have a direct impact on private investigators, congressional staff members have said that the cybersecurity measure will attract several privacy amendments. Today, Senator Rockefeller's committee held a hearing regarding Internet tracking by advertisers and other businesses. He said he will continue to push for legislation. Pending bills to address Internet tracking could impact data collection. 

Also, earlier this week Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced a S.3333, data security legislation. The bill would require companies to protect personal information by establishing a national standard that would preempt conflicting legislation in 46 states. NCISS is concerned about provision is other data security bills in both the House and Senate which would restrict some uses of pretexting.

Congress is scheduled to be out of session next week for its July 4th recess. It now appears that some of these issues may be considered in the Senate during July. The Legislative Committee will review the new legislation and act to protect the interests of our members.

Larry Sabbath

Legislative Advocate

NCISS

7501 Sparrows Point Boulevard

Baltimore, Maryland 21219-1927

T-(800) 445-8408  F-(410) 388-9746

lsabbath@lobbyist4u.com

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