HR 367 IH, Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act.
Sponsor: Rep. Bob Franks (R-NJ).

Date introduced: January 19, 1999.
Source: Library of Congress.


106th CONGRESS
1st Session

H. R. 367

To regulate the use by interactive computer services of Social Security account numbers and related personally identifiable information.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 19, 1999

Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce


A BILL

To regulate the use by interactive computer services of Social Security account numbers and related personally identifiable information.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 2. REGULATION OF USE BY AN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER SERVICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBERS AND RELATED PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION.

(a) DISCLOSURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER OR RELATED PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION WITHOUT CONSENT PROHIBITED- An interactive computer service shall not, by means of a reference service or otherwise, disclose to a third party--

without the individual's prior informed written consent.

(b) REVOCATION OF CONSENT- Such service shall permit an individual to revoke any consent granted pursuant to paragraph (1) at any time, and upon such revocation, such service shall cease disclosing such number or information to a third party.

SEC. 3. ENFORCEMENT AND RELIEF.

(a) FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION- The Federal Trade Commission shall have the authority to examine and investigate an interactive computer service to determine whether such service has been or is engaged in any act or practice prohibited by this Act.

(b) ENFORCEMENT- If the Federal Trade Commission determines an interactive computer service has been or is engaged in any act or practice prohibited by this Act, the Commission may issue a cease and desist order as if such service were in violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and shall be subject to liability for violations of such order as provided in such section 5. Any such service which engages in an act or practice prohibited by this Act with actual knowledge, or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances, that such act or practice is so prohibited shall also be liable for civil penalties under section 5(m)(1) of such Act as if such service were in violation of such section 5.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

As used in this Act--