Civic News

Maryland delegate’s move on internet privacy comes up short

A nationwide bill that allows internet service providers to sell data without users' permission was signed by President Trump on Monday. A Maryland Democrat sought to challenge it at the state level.

Data. What's it say about you? (Photo by Flickr user janholmquist, used under a Creative Commons license)

Representatives in Maryland’s House of Delegates attempted to mount a response to recent Congressional action on internet privacy, but they ultimately came up short.
Congress voted last week to roll back FCC rules proposed by the Obama administration that would have required broadband companies to get permission from users before sharing personal data about their online activities. President Trump signed the bill on Monday.
In Maryland, Del. Bill Frick (D-Montgomery County), attempted to file legislation that would’ve stopped internet service providers from doing so in the state, according to the Associated Press. However, the bill needed more votes than usual to even be filed. Since it is late in the legislative session which ends April 10, new bills require 94 votes to be introduced. Frick’s bill only got 90.
Republicans contended that the bill is a national issue that should not be addressed at the state level, the AP reported.

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