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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	September 27, 2017 10:10 AM
From:	Representative W. Curtis Thomas
To:	All House members
Subject:	Internet Privacy Act

In the near future, I will introduce legislation creating the Internet Privacy Act in Pennsylvania to prevent telecommunications companies or internet service providers from collecting and sharing a customer’s personal information, without express consent from the customer. My legislation, which is modeled after a 2002 act in Minnesota, would further enhance Pennsylvania’s efforts to protect telecommunications and internet customers by disallowing the disclosure of personal information by these providers, except in specific instances. The bill requires internet service providers to obtain permission from subscribers before disclosing (sharing or selling) information about the subscribers’ online surfing habits and Internet sites visited. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of false or misleading messages by commercial entities and require a toll-free number be provided so that recipients can notify senders to cease transmission of such messages to them. Finally, the bill sets damages and penalties for violation. While there are paid services that consumers can access to protect their privacy, such as a virtual privacy network, the cost may prove a disincentive for many consumers. I hope that you will consider sponsoring this important legislation that will allow Pennsylvania to be on the forefront of protecting citizens’ personal information, as well as the information on what sites they have visited, and the number of times they have logged in.

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