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RELEASE: Rep. Khanna releases ‘Internet Bill of Rights’ principles, endorsed by Sir Tim Berners-Lee

October 4, 2018

Washington, DC – Rep. Ro Khanna, who has been dubbed "Silicon Valley's ambassador to Middle America" released his set of consumer data privacy regulations principles for an ‘Internet Bill of Rights.' His principles have earned the endorsement of world wide web inventor, Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

"The internet age and digital revolution have changed Americans' way of life. As our lives and the economy are more tied to the internet, it is essential to provide Americans with basic protections online," said Rep. Khanna.

"If the internet is to live up to its potential as a force for good in the world, we need safeguards that ensure fairness, openness and human dignity. This bill of rights provides a set of principles that are about giving users more control of their online lives while creating a healthier internet economy. This is a bipartisan issue with broad public support, giving leaders an opportunity to work together to make the internet work for everyone," said Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the world wide web and founder of the Web Foundation.

Further reading is available from The New York Times.

Set of Principles for an Internet Bill of Rights: You should have the right:

(1) To have access to and knowledge of all collection and uses of personal data by companies;

(2) To opt-in consent to the collection of personal data by any party and to the sharing of personal data with a third party;

(3) Where context appropriate and with a fair process, to obtain, correct, or delete personal data controlled by any company and to have those requests honored by third parties;

(4) To have personal data secured and to be notified in a timely manner when a security breach or unauthorized access of personal data is discovered;

(5) To move all personal data from one network to the next;

(6) To access and use the internet without internet service providers blocking, throttling, engaging in paid prioritization, or otherwise unfairly favoring content, applications, services, or devices.

(7) To internet service without the collection of data that is unnecessary for providing the requested service absent opt-in consent;

(8) To have access to multiple viable, affordable internet platforms, services, and providers with clear and transparent pricing;

(9) Not to be unfairly discriminated against or exploited based on your personal data; and

(10) To have an entity that collects your personal data have reasonable business practices and accountability to protect your privacy.

The principles are built on the Obama Administration's internet bill of rights proposed in 2015 and in part on the input provided during conversations with:

  • Alex MacGillivray, former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer
  • Mignon Clyburn, former Federal Communications Commissioner
  • Nicole Wong, former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer
  • Todd Park, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer and technology advisor for President Obama

Representatives from:

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Center for Democracy and Technology
  • Cisco
  • Common Sense
  • Data For Black Lives
  • Facebook
  • Free Press
  • Google
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • Intel
  • Lyft
  • Microsoft
  • National Hispanic Media Coalition
  • New America's Open Technology Institute
  • Open Markets
  • Public Knowledge
  • Salesforce
  • The Electronic Frontier Foundation
  • The Internet Association
  • Twitter
  • Uber

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.

Press Office: 202-225-2631