PRINTING United Alliance Cautions Fast-Track Approval of American Data Privacy and Protection Act

Chairwoman Jan Schakowsky (D) at the recent hearing on data privacy.

PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the U.S., continues to work on behalf of printers and graphic arts professionals to stay informed of important legislation affecting the industry. On June 14, the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce held a hearing titled “Protecting America's Consumers: Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Data Privacy and Security” to review the newly proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act.

Over the past few years, a patchwork of state data privacy laws have emerged, causing both uneven protections and a confusing business environment for printing companies. Thus, PRINTING United Alliance has urged a national uniform standard to achieve a federal legislative solution to data privacy protection that both benefits consumers and preserves the right for businesses to use marketing and advertising data in a responsible way.

However, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act proposal, while notable for its bipartisan, bicameral approach, itself is a patchwork of state law preemption that would likely create further consternation for the printing industry. Additionally, the proposal calls for a private right of action that could expose printing companies that engage in data collection, use, and transfer to potential costly litigation.

“The American Data Privacy and Protection Act as proposed contains commendable provisions, including those addressing biometrics use and online safety for children,” says Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “However, the trickier compromised provisions, such as state preemption and a private right of action, require more extensive vetting than time allows in the last six months of the 117^th Congress.

“Experts have stated this complex legislation will impact virtually every business of every size across multiple industries. It will certainly have both intended and unintended consequences for the printing industry. Given the proposal’s release just weeks before two lengthy summer recesses and the upcoming fall midterm election, there simply is not enough time for Congress to thoroughly examine and negotiate this critical legislation in the fast-track timeline desired by its sponsors. PRINTING United Alliance remains committed to actively monitoring and contributing to the federal policy debate now and into the future as Congress, industry and consumers seek to find a workable and meaningful solution to data privacy protection.”

For more information about how to join PRINTING United Alliance to learn firsthand information such as this important breaking legislation affecting the industry, visit printing.org/join.