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Utah House passes internet privacy, requires clearer consumer disclosures
Summary
The House passed House Bill 105 to codify internet privacy and security rules, requiring ISPs and other entities to disclose practices and creating a government information privacy framework; backers cited identity-theft risks and supporters said the bill balances consumer rights and law-enforcement needs.
The Utah House of Representatives approved House Bill 105 on the floor after a floor-level debate over internet privacy protections and government access to data. Representative Wayne Harper, sponsor of the bill, said the measure puts into code principles the House recently adopted and establishes disclosure, opt-in/opt-out protocols and limits on certain intrusive practices.
Supporters said the bill responds to growing identity-theft risks and clarifies how state agencies may share information. "This is modeled after legislation in several other states," Harper said, adding that the bill both protects consumers and preserves authorized law-enforcement information sharing. Representative Wallace asked whether the bill would restrict public access to sensitive financial data found online; Harper replied that the bill explicitly addresses those risks and includes a provision to prohibit unauthorized scanning of a consumer's hard disk.
The bill drew questions from members about technical scope and enforcement. Harper said the measure was reviewed by the State Information Technology Department and the chief information officer, and that it was drafted in consultation with attorneys and internet-service providers. He described the measure as twofold: private-sector disclosure and a government information privacy act that limits intra-governmental sharing to authorized purposes.
After the discussion, the House approved an amendment under the sponsor's name and passed the bill on the floor. The bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
