If politics makes for strange bedfellows, so, too, does the digital age.
Unlikely allies, John McCain (R-Ariz.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) revealed on Monday that they will team up to introduce what’s being called a bill of rights aimed at protecting personal information of Americans who access the web.
With the tentative working title of “The Commercial Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2011,” Kerry and McCain say this bi-partisan legislation is both essential and sorely needed.
If enacted, the provisions would enhance protection and control of personal information – a concern that is well known to both lawmakers.
Kerry currently serves as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, and McCain previously served as chairman of the Commerce Committee.
Aides were reluctant to discuss the details of the bill but, judging from earlier drafts, it will likely outline the basic protections required of all firms that handle consumer data and give the Federal Trade Commission the authority to enforce those expectations.
Senators McCain and Kerry will hold a press conference today, Tuesday April 12 at 12:30 pm in Washington, D.C. to formally introduce the bill and its provisions.
