Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Josh Hawley introduced a bill on Monday requiring firms with over 100 million monthly users that make money off data to disclose the type of data collected, how it’s used and an assessment of its value every 90 days. They’d also need to annually report the aggregate value of all their users’ data. (Axios)
Talking point: Many tech firms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Google, have built their business models off allowing consumers to use their platforms for free in exchange for their data. How firms make money off that data exactly is somewhat opaque. This bill’s goal is to change that lack of transparency, and to make users understand exactly what they’re agreeing to when they sign up for these services. The news comes as Washington gears up to investigate Big Tech over antitrust concerns; Warner said tech companies could fend off being broken up by agreeing to bills like this one.