Consumer data powers today’s digital economy. Data is the coveted resource that is fueling explosive growth across multiple sectors, yielding exciting new innovations in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, medical diagnostics, and automated vehicles. People have also experienced the practical benefits of data during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more individuals are relying on internet-based technologies to connect to work, school, healthcare, and their loved ones.

Despite these tremendous benefits, the ubiquity of data has also raised privacy concerns. Consumers want to know what personal information is being collected about them, and they want some say in how it is aggregated, used, and shared. On the industry side, businesses need a clear set of rules that will not slow the development of promising technologies. Congress has been working hard to develop a long-term legislative framework that addresses the needs of both consumers and innovators.