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HR 3321 106th Congress House

Electronic Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 1999

Official title: To prevent unfair and deceptive practices in the collection and use of personal information, and for other purposes.

Introduced: November 10, 1999 Introduced by: Markey, Edward J. Democratic · Massachusetts See on congress.gov
Commerce Administrative procedureBank recordsBusiness recordsCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
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Civil actions and liabilityCongressCongressional reporting requirementsConsumer educationConsumer protectionDamagesElectronic commerceFamiliesFederal Trade CommissionFederal preemptionFinance and Financial SectorGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment and businessGovernment paperworkIndependent regulatory commissions
This bill died when the 106th Congress ended
It never became law before the 106th Congress (1999–2000) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 6 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 2, 1999
Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Nov 30, 1999
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Nov 24, 1999
Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.
Nov 12, 1999
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Nov 10, 1999
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Banking and Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Nov 10, 1999
Introduced in House
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 Latest action December 2, 1999

Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Electronic Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Makes it unlawful for an operator of a website or online service (operator) to collect personal information from an individual in a manner that violates privacy protection rules to be prescribed under this Act. Provides that notwithstanding such prohibition, no such operator shall be held liable for any disclosure of personal information to the parent of a child in response to a request for such disclosure under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998.

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules that: (1) require an operator collecting such information to provide notice of the types of information collected, its use, and the operator's disclosure practices; (2) require such operator to provide an online method for an individual to grant or deny consent to such collection and use; (3) permit the operator to establish a method by which an individual can preset protocols for granting or denying such consent; (4) prohibit the operator from collecting such information unless it has been disclosed and consented to; (5) require the operator to provide requesting individuals with access to personal information collected, as well as notice of whether such information has been reused, disclosed, or sold, and to whom; and (6) require the operator to establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of personal information collected. Excepts from such requirements information collected, used, or disseminated to: (1) protect website security or integrity; (2) take precautions against liability; (3) respond to judicial process; or (4) provide required information to law enforcement officials. Considers a violation of such rules an unfair or deceptive trade practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Allows an operator to satisfy such requirements by following a set of self- regulatory guidelines issued by representatives of the marketing or online industries and approved under this Act. Outlines provisions concerning FTC incentives for, and approval of, such guidelines.

Authorizes a State attorney general to bring an action on behalf of its residents for violations of rules or approved guidelines. Allows FTC intervention in any such action.

Provides for FTC enforcement and administration of provisions of this Act.

Authorizes a private right of action for enforcement of violations.

Requires the FTC to review and report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 8
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3321: Electronic Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 1999. 106th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3321/
MLA
"H.R. 3321: Electronic Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 1999." 106th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3321/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3321, 106th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3321/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3321: Electronic Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 1999](https://openamerica.io/bill/106-HR-3321/)
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