Ted Cruz Blocks Privacy Bill

Senator Cruz Blocks Expansion of Data Privacy Protections

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has prevented the passage of legislation aimed at broadening data privacy safeguards. The proposed law would have extended protections currently afforded to federal lawmakers and public officials to all citizens of the United States.

Wyden's Bill and its Intent

On Monday evening, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) sought unanimous consent from the Senate to advance his bill, S.2850, formally known as the Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act.

The core principle of Wyden’s proposal was to apply existing, bipartisan-supported measures—originally designed to shield government personnel and their families from the sale or trade of their personal data by data brokers—to the entire American population.

Arguments for Universal Protection

Senator Wyden articulated his position on the Senate floor, stating that members of Congress should not be granted preferential treatment. He emphasized that all constituents deserve protection from threats like violence, stalking, and other criminal activities.

Furthermore, Wyden asserted that comprehensive protection is the most effective means of safeguarding U.S. military and intelligence personnel, including those operating undercover.

The Data Broker Industry

Data brokers constitute a substantial global industry, generating billions of dollars by collecting and selling vast quantities of personal, financial, and precise location data. This information, often sourced from phones and internet-connected devices, is frequently sold without requiring a warrant.

The accumulation of such extensive datasets also presents inherent risks, including security vulnerabilities and data breaches. Data acquired from these brokers has been utilized to expose individuals online, and recent incidents link this practice to the shooting of two Minnesota state legislators, tragically resulting in one fatality.

Cruz's Objection and Concerns

Senator Cruz stood alone in objecting to Wyden’s bill, raising unsubstantiated claims that the legislation could hinder law enforcement operations, specifically referencing the tracking of sexual predators.

Expert Rebuttal

Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute, refuted Cruz’s assertion, stating it was inaccurate. He pointed out that a publicly accessible registry of sex offenders already exists under federal law.

Schuman clarified that Wyden’s bill would not disrupt this system, explicitly allowing law enforcement to share information with individuals at risk and exempting the press to ensure continued reporting on offenders.

The bill would not impede parental notifications or restrict public access to critical information regarding sex offenders, Schuman emphasized.

Further Legislation Blocked

Cruz also opposed a subsequent bill introduced by Wyden, S.2851. This second proposal sought to extend the data protections to state officials, their staff, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Cruz's Stance on Expansion

In response, Cruz indicated a willingness to consider broadening the scope of protection, but stated that a viable solution had not yet been determined.

This article has been updated to include further commentary from the American Governance Institute and to correct the initial report regarding the Minnesota shooting incident, confirming that two lawmakers were shot, and one died.