ANA Opposes Data Broker Bill in Vermont Legislature

An onerous data broker bill is pending in the Vermont Senate which could have very serious negative consequences for all marketers. H.764 was introduced to adopt consumer protection provisions relating to data brokers. The bill has an overly broad definition of “personal information” and raises serious First Amendment and commerce clause concerns. ANA has been working closely with the Data and Marketing Association (DMA), the State Privacy and Security Coalition (SPSC) and other industry groups to oppose the bill as drafted. Our letter of opposition is available here.

Unfortunately, the bill passed the House last month and is now pending in the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. At a recent hearing, members of that committee argued that because of recent developments with the privacy policies of Facebook and others, the bill should be expanded to include a private right of action and other provisions from a broad privacy ballot initiative currently being circulated in California.

We are seeing a flurry of activity in the states on privacy and data security issues, and ANA will continue to fight to protect our members’ advertising rights.