Overview

California has the most stringent privacy laws in the nation.  Businesses are required to maintain strict security over data that could be used to commit identity theft. Any further restrictions and/or penalties on data security will impede the ability to provide timely information needed by the employers and the government. Limiting the ability of companies to develop new technologies to prevent product thefts or trace shipments due to perceived privacy violations strangles creativity and entreprenurial endeavors.

Goals

• Support the establishment of a uniform national standard for data security laws while assuring that such a law addresses the hackers and identity thieves who commit such crimes — not just the data brokers and financial institutions caught up in security breaches.
• Support legislation that advances research into and implementation of product tracking technologies.

Issue Summaries

Data Security
Position: The CalChamber supports the establishment of a uniform national standard for data security laws. The CalChamber also believes, however, that such a law must address the hackers and identity thieves who commit such crimes – not just the data brokers and financial institutions caught up in security breaches. Increasing penalties on those who intentionally commit such crimes while establishing national data security standards would best help maintain the security of Americans’ personal data. A safe harbor should be provided for businesses in compliance with industry standards for data protection but that suffer a breach. Data Security

Nanotechnology
Position: The CalChamber supports balanced federal regulations of nanotechnology that provide protections for consumers and the environment while accommodating the growth of nanotech industries. Nanotechnology

Product Tracking
Position: The CalChamber supports research, development and integration into the marketplace of new technologies that have the potential to enhance business productivity and limit losses. Product Tracking