James Maroney

State Senator James Maroney Plans to Reintroduce Data Privacy Bill in Upcoming Senate Session

State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, is planning to reintroduce a bill that would protect consumers in Connecticut this upcoming legislative session. In 2021, Senator Maroney and Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) worked together on establishing a consumer data bill of rights that would protect Connecticut residents’ online privacy. The bill received favorable votes in three committees but was never voted on by the legislature.

“This session I will work hard to get this bill passed as I intend to make sure residents in Connecticut feel safe online,” said Sen. Maroney. “The digital world is perpetually growing and as more people turn to their mobile devices to schedule appointments, shop online, and input personal information, I have made it my duty to ensure consumers have a bill of rights that protects their personal information online.”

“This legislative session I have dedicated myself to getting everyone on board with a consumer data bill of rights which guarantees companies to make a commitment to consumers,” said Sen. Duff. “People in our community deserve to feel safe with their privacy online. These guidelines will ensure trust between a consumer and their electronics knowing their personal data isn’t being collected without their knowledge.”

In February 2021, Sen. Maroney introduced Senate Bill 893, “An Act Concerning Consumer Privacy,” which would have created a consumer data bill of rights and required big-tech companies to clearly state what data is being collected, how it’s being used, and why – and consumers would have the right to see that data, fix any errors in it, or delete it all. This February, Sen. Maroney plans to introduce a stronger bill that address the issue of data privacy.

Under the upcoming data privacy bill, companies will be required to clearly cite a privacy policy telling consumers what data is being collected, how it is being used, and why. This way, consumers are aware and have the right of knowing what information is being collected from them, the ability to see and fix any false data that is collected from them, and the right to have any collected data be deleted.

The bill will also prohibit companies from discriminating against those who choose to exercise these rights. This bill will provide protection over user information, thus preventing companies from abusing their data. It will require companies to lessen the amount of data they collect and only use it for the purposes they are collected it for; therefore having less data breaches and identity theft.

The legislation will ensure transparency within companies and consumers, therefore guaranteeing that consumers know just how much of their information is being collected and are given the right to control what is done with that data.

The legislative session is expected to begin February 9.