Let's Talk About Privacy

In today’s hyperconnected world, privacy concerns are paramount. The sensitive information we share online can impact everything from healthcare to personal finances. Americans deserve one national law that protects our privacy. Only Congress can make that happen.

Time for Action

Congress must act to establish one national law that protects privacy for all Americans

Is my privacy being protected?

Our private data is increasingly used to serve many purposes. Quite often, it’s for good in supporting new services and promoting convenience, but sometimes it’s for ill when bad actors use data in ways that violate consumer trust.

While we may choose to share private information willingly, we often lack a complete picture of how our data will be used or even who has access to such data.

Why one national privacy law?

In America, privacy requirements can change across state lines and apply inconsistently to some data collectors but not others. That system is confusing and unfair.

Privacy standards should be the same no matter who collects our private data or where we live. America needs one approach that protects the sensitive information we share online.

How can I make a difference?

To protect our privacy, policymakers need to hear from you.

Sign up for important privacy updates and calls to action. By joining the campaign, you will have the opportunity to tell Congress to enact one national law that establishes common standards of privacy protection that gives all Americans the confidence that our personal data is secure.

The Three C's of Privacy

A single standard of privacy protection should rely on the three C’s

Consistency

50 separate state laws won’t work. America needs one law that applies to the entire nation.

Control

Americans should be empowered with simple ways to control who can access our personal data and how they use it.

Confidence

Organizations that retain consumer data need to take reasonable steps to protect that data from illegal access.

Protecting Privacy for All Americans

The private information we choose to share online deserves to be protected, no matter who is collecting our data or where we live. Watch to learn what can be done to ensure all Americans that the personal information they share online is safe, secure, and used responsibly.

What you need to know

62
%
of Americans
do not think it is possible to go through daily life without having companies collect data about them
Source: Pew Research Center
76
days
the time it would take a person to read the privacy statements on every website they visit in a year
Source: Carnegie Mellon
79
%
of U.S. adults
are concerned about how companies use the data they collect about them
Source: Pew Research Center

Explore Stories About Privacy

Learn more about privacy protections and the impact of national policies

Apr
28
2021
The Facts of Online Piracy: Making Streaming Safe for All
Streaming video has been the savior of the pandemic. Thanks to the convenience and choice of streaming services through high-speed internet, we have been able to binge our favorite series,... Read More
Feb
9
2021
Together We Can Make the Internet Safer and More Secure
Each February, the world celebrates Safer Internet Day — a day when people all over the planet promote the safe and positive use of digital technology, especially among children and young... Read More
Dec
31
2020
Keeping America Connected: Beyond’s Year in Review
No doubt about it: 2020 will forever be remembered as the year of COVID-19. Within a few short weeks, phrases like “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” made themselves a... Read More
Feb
10
2020
Safer Internet Day Is Every Day! 3 Ways You Can Help Make the Internet Safer
On February 11, some 150 countries around the world will celebrate Safer Internet Day. This annual event, inaugurated in 2004, provides us with an opportunity... Read More
Jan
17
2020
Beyond’s 2020 Outlook: The Top Five Trends We’re Tracking
AI, self-driving cars, 10G – what will the new year bring? The Beyond community is tracking a series of important trends that are taking shape in what should... Read More
Dec
11
2019
One Nation, Fifty Privacy Laws? 3 Reasons Why Washington Needs to Lead the Privacy Debate
With more and more of our daily activity taking place online, and with the proliferation of devices – like smart speakers, home security cameras, and virtual... Read More
Nov
14
2019
Online Video Usage Up Among Teens
A new survey from Common Sense Media has found an uptick in media usage among tweens and teens, ages 8-18, and further highlights how the next generation is looking to embrace and continue... Read More

What Peers and Policymakers are Saying

“Indeed, the interconnected nature of the internet almost demands a consistent set of privacy protections. Consumers’ privacy rights shouldn’t change depending on which internet service provider they use to log on, what websites they visit, or what social networks or search engines they use.”

Michael Powell
Former Chairman, The Federal Communications Commission