X
Tech

Google proposes data privacy framework ahead of US Senate hearing

Google posits that companies should be transparent about the types of personal information collected and comply with appropriate limits to data collection.
Written by Natalie Gagliordi, Contributor

Google has published a proposed framework for data-protection legislation ahead of an appearance Wednesday before US Senate to discuss GDPR-style safeguards for consumer data privacy. The framework is comprised of privacy practices that Google already abides by or could easily comply with.

In a three-page document, Google posits that companies should be transparent about the types of personal information collected, comply with appropriate limits to data collection, and be required to protect that data while also allowing people to access, correct, delete and download personal information collected about them.

Also: How data analytics has forever changed politics TechRepublic

The search giant also proposes action from lawmakers and regulators to set baseline compliance requirements, and apply legislative rules to all organizations that process personal information.

"This framework is based on established privacy frameworks, as well as our experience providing services that rely on personal data and our work to comply with evolving data protection laws around the world," Keith Enright, Google's chief privacy officer, said in a blog post.

"These principles help us evaluate new legislative proposals and advocate for responsible, interoperable and adaptable data protection regulations. How these principles are put into practice will shape the nature and direction of innovation," he said.

Also: Lyft will offer discounted rides to voters during midterm elections CNET

Enright is one of several tech executives who'll appear before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to answer questions on data privacy and security. Google is positioning itself as a champion of both consumer privacy and Internet innovation -- a tricky juxtaposition when it comes to legislation.

Up until recently, Google has generally opposed data protection regulation in the US.

21 other CEOs we'd like to see run for president

Previous and related coverage:

West Virginia to pioneer mobile phone voting in midterm elections (CNET)

The Voatz app is designed for troops serving abroad and uses blockchain tech.

No more interference: Facebook is a building a war room ahead of US midterms

Facebook is planning to establish a physical "war room" designed to bring staff together to find and destroy attempts to meddle with upcoming elections.

Microsoft: We've just messed up Russian plans to attack US 2018 midterm elections

Claiming a win over Russian plans to hack US politicians, Microsoft unveils a new security service to detect attacks expected in the lead-up to the midterms.

These are the House members who voted to extend NSA spying and reject privacy reforms

And nearly all of them are up for re-election later this year.

Related stories:

Editorial standards