A new bill has been introduced to the Senate in Nevada that is looking to tighten rules surrounding privacy online for consumers.
The new legislation, Bill 538, will require websites to specifically notify those viewing the sites that their personal data is being collected. If passed, the Attorney General will have new authority to go ahead and issue sanctions against websites that don't properly notify viewers about the data collection.
The new bill is trying to give those in the state some comfort that their information isn't going to be collected without them knowing about it. But when it comes to general spying, there are still spying efforts underway like those at the NSA, which aren't going to be hindered by the passage of this bill. They will still be able to collect vast amounts of data from consumers, without those consumers specifically being aware of exactly what sort of data is being taken and collected regarding their habits.
Most people these days should be aware that much of their activity online isn't anonymous at all, aside from those folks who take the steps to try and use tools that allow them to use the internet anonymously or regain some semblance of privacy. At this point, we shouldn't really expect our data to be kept secret unless we take steps to try and ensure that it is. And most people aren't going to bother with doing that.
There are millions of different websites and apps out there that are looking to harvest data from consumers, this is the case whether you be surfing on Facebook, making a purchase on Amazon, or buying tokens in a virtual game etc. All of this data can provide tremendous insight on consumer trends and shopping habits, it provides valuable feedback, so it's no wonder that many companies are looking to gather as much data from their consumers as they can.
If this new bill gets passed and websites need to start notifying consumers in Nevada about the potential for their data to be harvest, then perhaps it will influence some to stop visiting those websites. But my guess is that isn't likely going to happen.
The new rules won't just apply to websites either but apparently will also include internet service providers, who will be required to notify consumers about what sort of information they are collecting on them. They might also be forced to divulge information pertaining to third-party contractors that might be storing the data.
Pics:
pixabay
Sources:
https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/15/nevada-pushes-for-tighter-online-privacy-protection/
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/2017-legislature/las-vegas-democrats-sponsor-senate-bill-on-web-transparency/
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nevada/articles/2017-05-11/nevada-senate-leader-proposes-internet-privacy-regulations
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