Bill Overview
Title: DELETE Act
Description: This bill establishes a process for the deletion of personal information held by data brokers (i.e., entities that collect or obtain personal information for commercial purposes from individuals with whom they do not have a direct relationship). First, it requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules requiring data brokers to (1) register with the commission, (2) provide specified contact information, and (3) disclose certain data collection practices. Second, the commission must establish a centralized system to allow individuals to make a single request for the deletion of any of their personal information held by a data broker (or an affiliated legal entity). Each data broker must delete the personal information not later than 31 days after a request is made. An individual who submits a deletion request also must be added to a do-not-track list and registered data brokers are prohibited from collecting personal information about that individual. The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the commission.
Sponsors: Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]
Target Audience
Population: People with personal information held by data brokers
Estimated Size: 250000000
- The proliferation of digital services and online shopping means a significant amount of personal information is collected by various data brokers.
- Many people globally use services and websites that collect data for commercial purposes.
- Internet users concerned with privacy are likely to use the DELETE Act to manage their data privacy.
- Approximately 5.18 billion people use the internet globally, which represent potential individuals who have data collected by brokers.
- Not all internet users will use the service, but it could potentially impact a significant majority concerned about privacy.
Reasoning
- The DELETE Act aims to improve privacy and control over personal data, which can significantly impact individuals who are concerned about data security.
- High commonness among internet users implies that many people might not see a direct impact on wellbeing since many are indifferent to data practices.
- Cost of implementing a centralized system and enforcing compliance might be high, limiting the extension of direct support to individuals.
- Some segments of the population such as younger, tech-savvy individuals, or those in cybersecurity might see substantial benefits and improved wellbeing due to reduced tracking.
- Individuals who are less internet-active or who do not perceive privacy invasion as critical will likely experience a lower or no impact.
- Given privacy laws and the general public's increasing awareness about data privacy issues, a heightened sense of security and autonomy can improve overall wellbeing for some.
Simulated Interviews
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am really concerned about how my data is handled.
- Having a centralized way to delete my data is very comforting.
- This policy makes me feel more in control of my digital presence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Privacy Law Expert (Dallas, TX)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The DELETE Act is a big step towards regulating data handling.
- This will likely lead to better privacy standards.
- I believe the impact on wellbeing could be understated because privacy plays a huge role in digital trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Digital Marketing Specialist (Boston, MA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might make my job a bit harder as I'll have less data to work with.
- I understand the privacy concerns but data also has its benefits.
- The policy is a double-edged sword but overall good for privacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The DELETE Act adapts with the times where privacy is critical.
- It's nice to know my data can be erased at my request.
- I think it raises awareness about data and cybersecurity issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The DELETE Act provides peace of mind but I wonder how it will affect business analytics.
- My customers are also concerned about data privacy which is important for trust.
- I think it will enhance my business's reputation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Engineer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't interact much with the internet, this doesn't affect me.
- I understand the purpose but I'm not bothered by data collection.
- It's more relevant to younger people than to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Digital Rights Activist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The DELETE Act is essential for our digital rights.
- It's encouraging to see our data privacy priorities addressed legally.
- This may pave the way for more reforms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelance Blogger (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the DELETE Act protects the little guy online.
- While creating content, I understand both sides of data usage.
- Ultimately, data privacy reassurance is positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Customer Service Representative (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having control over my data is a relief.
- I would definitely use this policy to protect my data.
- It's a much-needed change in internet privacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
IT Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The DELETE Act provides essential privacy, a step in the right direction.
- It'll necessitate stronger data security measures in businesses.
- This boost in privacy can lead to innovation in data handling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $10000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential resistance from data brokerage industry due to compliance costs.
- Privacy advocates support increased consumer control over personal data.
- Technological challenges in managing a centralized deletion request system.
- The FTC's capacity to handle increased enforcement tasks and requests.