Uncategorized

EPIC, Brennan Center, CDT: New HPSCI Bill Reauthorizing Section 702 Is “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”

EPIC joined the Brennan Center for Justice an the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) in issuing a one-pager on the FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2023, the newly-introduced bill to reauthorize FISA Section 702 by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The one-pager details how the FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act is an "anti-reform bill in disguise" that would in fact expand surveillance conducted pursuant to Section 702, including by:

• FISA Section 702

• Privacy Laws

• Proposed U.S. Legislation

• Surveillance Oversight

• Updates

EDPB Clarifies Ban on Meta’s Processing of Personal Data for Targeted Advertising

On December 7th, the EDPB clarified that a contract is not a legitimate purpose for Meta’s processing of personal data, striking down the subscription service model.

• AI Policy

• Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

• Big Data

• Commercial AI Use

• Consumer Privacy

• Data Protection

• International Privacy

• International Privacy Laws

• Privacy Laws

• Social Media Privacy

• Updates

FCC Implements Safe Connections Act to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence, Citing EPIC Coalition Concerns

The FCC passed a final rule for the Safe Connection Act, incorporating comments from EPIC and partners to better-protect survivors of domestic violence.

• Communications Privacy

• Consumer Privacy

• Data Protection

• Location Tracking

• Updates

EPIC Urges Supreme Court to Leave the Door Open for Legislatures to Regulate Harmful Social Media Company Practices

• Consumer Privacy

• Data Protection

• Updates

Sen. Wyden Reveals Government Surveillance of Smartphone “Push” Notifications

Sen. Wyden published a letter revealing that the government can compel Apple and Google to turn over contents and metadata from push communications.

• Communications Privacy

• Consumer Privacy

• Surveillance Oversight

• Wiretapping

• Updates

EPIC Urges OMB to Strengthen Draft Regulations for Government Use of AI

EPIC submitted comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget commending their strong step toward regulating AI use by federal government agencies, and recommending several ways to strengthen it.

• Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

• Government AI Use

• Screening & Scoring

• Updates

EPIC Urges the CFPB Not to Delay Fair Credit Reporting Act Rulemaking 

EPIC joined the National Consumer Law Center and a coalition of 60 consumer, civil rights, healthcare, and advocacy organizations to urge the CFPB not to delay the agency’s planned Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rulemaking.  

• Consumer Privacy

• Data Brokers

• Updates

EPIC Statement on the Introduction of the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act (PLEWSA)

• FISA Section 702

• Privacy Laws

• Proposed U.S. Legislation

• Surveillance Oversight

• Statements

Assessing the Assessments: Comparing Risk Assessment Requirements Around the World

As part of EPIC’s project Assessing the Assessments: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Algorithmic & Privacy Risk Assessments, we have taken stock of impact assessment requirements on the state, federal, and international levels. The chart below breaks down various state laws, executive orders, proposed laws, and international directives and laws that require impact assessments and compares their requirements.

• Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

• Analysis

EPIC Commends CFPB’s Personal Financial Data Rights Rulemaking 

EPIC joined Public Citizen and a coalition of civil society organizations this week in expressing support for the goals of the CFPB’s proposed Personal Financial Data Rights Rule. The rulemaking aims to enhance consumer privacy and data security and promote competition in the financial services industry.

• Competition and Privacy

• Consumer Privacy

• Data Protection

• Updates