U.S Government Accountability Office
As internet usage has exploded over the years, consumers' personal data, online behavior, and locations are increasingly being tracked. But how safe is that personal information?
Not very safe. The U.S. doesn't have a comprehensive privacy law governing the collection, use, or sale of personal data. Our past reports include recommendations for consumer data collection and associated growing privacy risks.
As technologies change, consumers may not always know what data businesses are collecting about them, or how those data are used and shared. Advanced, internet-connected technologies help businesses gather increasing amounts of personal data, track online behavior, and monitor consumers' locations and activities, intensifying concerns about the privacy and accuracy of consumer data.
Attempts to Improve and its Effects
Attempts have been made before, but consumers may have been unaware of potential privacy and data security risks associated with this technology, such as loss of anonymity, lack of consent, and performance differences between demographic groups, which could lead to misidentification or profiling.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
- Consumers are generally unaware of the risks to themselves and their data—such as biased outcomes—as technology changes rapidly. Gaps in federal oversight may leave consumers unprotected.
- Congress is considering legislation to provide consumers with additional data privacy rights and to create oversight mechanisms.
- By enacting comprehensive legislative changes, Congress can help address long-standing challenges and create a framework that will address changing risks.