Press Releases

Wicker to Hold Hearing Examining Consumer Data Privacy Issues

February 8, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “Policy Principles for a Federal Data Privacy Framework in the United States,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. This hearing will examine what Congress should do to address risks to consumers and implement data privacy protections for all Americans. The Commerce Committee exercises jurisdiction over the Federal Trade Commission, which is the primary enforcement agency for consumer privacy and information security protections. 

“In an age of rapid innovation in technology, consumers need transparency in how their data is collected and used,” said Wicker. “It is this committee’s responsibility and obligation to develop a federal privacy standard to protect consumers without stifling innovation, investment, or competition. As we continue to examine this critically important issue, I hope this first hearing will offer valuable insights that will help set the stage for meaningful bipartisan legislation.” 

Witnesses:

  • The Honorable Jon Leibowitz, Co-Chairman, 21st Century Privacy Coalition
  • Mr. Michael Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Internet Association
  • Mr. Brian Dodge, Chief Operating Officer, Retail Industry Leaders Association
  • Ms. Victoria Espinel, President and Chief Executive Officer, BSA – The Software Alliance
  • Dr. Woodrow Hartzog, Professor of Law and Computer Science at Northeastern University School of Law and Khoury College of Computer Sciences
  • Mr. Randall Rothenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Interactive Advertising Bureau
*Witness list subject to change

Hearing Details: 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
10:00 a.m.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

This hearing will take place in the Hart Senate Office Building 216. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on www.commerce.senate.gov.

**NOTE: Witnesses added on February 21, 2019, Mr. Woody Hartzog added to the witness list on February 22, 2019.