WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives Monday passed the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act, 354 to 36.
Privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) are a broad range of technologies that allow organizations to collect, share, and use data while mitigating the privacy risks that arise from those activities.
This legislation, introduced by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) and co-led by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), empowers the National Science Foundation to pursue fundamental research to mitigate individuals’ privacy risks in data sets, including those used in AI modeling, while maintaining fairness, accuracy, and efficiency.
The bill supports research, workforce development, standard setting, and government coordination for the development of PETs.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital technologies touch every aspect of our lives, safeguarding personal privacy has become a critical concern for all Americans,” Kean said. “By reshaping how organizations handle user data and prioritizing the reduction of online risks for users, particularly children, we are actively creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment. This bill is the next step forward in protecting Americans online. I applaud the passage of the PETS Research Act and I thank Congresswoman Stevens for her leadership.”
“Americans live their lives online, creating a trove of data with each click,” Stevens said. “Given the proliferation of AI, which depends on data, it is critical that we support research to protect Americans’ most sensitive data and personal information. We want to be on the cutting edge of AI, but we must protect Americans at the same time, and this bill does just that. I’m thrilled that PETS Research Act has passed the House, bringing us one step closer to ensuring that no American’s data is exploited online.”
Congressman Kean serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
