Protecting data

I can remember the birth of the internet (1993) and when email (1996) was viewed as an innovation. I’ve been hacked several times and I worry about how safe my personal information is on the web. I suspect I am not alone. So, I reached out to James Maroney, my state senator in the 14th District, to see what can be done to ensure my data is protected. As usual, James was already on it.

Actually, James had been working on this problem for over three years. In talking with him, he explained that during this time he worked with several industry leaders and legislators in a bipartisan fashion to find a way to protect our data without hurting Connecticut businesses. His legislation passed and was signed into law this past May.

This law establishes significant consumer rights that allows all Connecticut residents to see what data is being collected, to correct, delete, extract their data and most importantly creates an opt out for our data to be sold or tracked for advertising. This was great news, but it gets better. It also establishes responsibilities for companies to be good stewards of our data. Specifically, they must minimize the data they collect and only use the data for the reason it was collected. Additionally, companies must protect our data and store it securely. Lastly, they need to get our permission to use our sensitive data, provide us a privacy policy and most importantly give us a chance to opt out.

Creating a balanced law is not easy work, especially in these polarizing political times, but that’s what James does. He builds strong connections across the legislature that results in broad bipartisan support. The proof is in the votes. The Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring (SB-6) passed unanimously in the Senate and with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House with 97 percent voting in favor. The 14th District and all of Connecticut needs the type of leadership and results that James gets year after year. This is why we need to re-elect James Maroney in November.

Joe Honcz Milford