H.R. 709 · 115th Congress
We Are Watching You Act of 2017
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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 115th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.
D
CapuanoSponsor6 cosponsors · 5 D, 1 R
0 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
This bill prohibits an operator of a video service from collecting visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer unless the operator: (1) displays, as part of the stream, a message that reads, "We are watching you"; and (2) describes to the consumer the types of information that…
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Jan 27, 2017
We Are Watching You Act of 2017
This bill prohibits an operator of a video service from collecting visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer unless the operator: (1) displays, as part of the stream, a message that reads, "We are watching you"; and (2) describes to the consumer the types of information that will be collected and how such information will be used.
The description of information collection must be provided: (1) as part of the terms and conditions to which the consumer must agree before using the video service; and (2) in the case of a video service accessed through a device sold or provided to the consumer by the operator, as part of the written instructions and other materials accompanying such device.
Operators must offer an alternative video service that does not involve the collection of such information but is otherwise identical. Any devices provided in connection with such alternative service must be incapable of collecting such information.
Operators may disclose such information only with the express consent of the consumer or as required by a court order in connection with a law enforcement investigation.
Violations of this bill are to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: We Are Watching You Act of 2017
Latest action (Feb 3, 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Policy area: Commerce · Origin: House · Introduced: Jan 27, 2017
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.