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H.R.2701 / 118th Congress

Online Privacy Act of 2023

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 19, 2023

Online Privacy Act of 2023

This bill establishes online privacy rights for personal information, including the contents of personal communications. It also applies requirements for protecting those rights to certain data processors, service providers, and other entities that collect, process, or maintain personal information and transmit it online.

The entities covered by the bill must generally permit individuals to oversee and control their personal information, including by allowing them to

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access, download, and transmit their information;

correct inaccurate or incomplete information;

request the deletion of their information; and

request human reviews of certain automated processes.

Further, the bill limits how covered entities may use, retain, and disclose personal information and otherwise requires actions to preserve information privacy. For example, covered entities must (1) notify and obtain consent from individuals before using, retaining, or disclosing their information in most instances; and (2) maintain privacy and information security policies. Additionally, covered entities may not process information for purposes related to employment, housing, and other opportunities in a discriminatory manner.

The bill establishes the Digital Privacy Agency to administer the provisions of the bill and transfers certain authorities, employees, and responsibilities related to information privacy from the Federal Communications Commission to the agency.

Violations of the bill's requirements may be enforced by the Digital Privacy Agency, states, and individuals. The bill sets out specific guidelines for investigating and adjudicating violations, with violations subject to civil penalties.

The bill also requires research and public education on information privacy.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16] · D–CA

Committees

  • Science, Space, and Technology Committee
  • Committee on House Administration
  • Judiciary Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: May 27, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.2701 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.2701 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.2701 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.2701 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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