Washington, D.C. – A bill, “You Own the Data Act (YODA)” Congressman Michael Cloud introduced. As Yoda once said, “the more we learn the more we discover how much we do not know.” As technology continues to improve, empowering Americans, we also have seen its dark side. This bill will establish a standard that users own their data, and that only with a user’s consent can a company collect, share, or retain an individual’s information.  

YODA asserts user control over their own data by prohibiting companies from collecting data without user consent and requires companies to provide periodic updates to users on what data is being collected and with whom it is being shared.  

The bill also creates a private right of action for individuals to bring a suit against companies that violate the provisions of the bill, allowing individuals to seek relief from companies with an annual gross revenue of $50 million or more.  “Our government exists to protect individual rights to life, liberty, and property. As such it is crucial that we protect Americans from data collection from third parties,” said Congressman Cloud. “Citizens should have reasonable access to technologies without abdicating their right to privacy or anonymity. Yoda’s words ring true, ‘do or do not, there is no try.’ Accountable, big tech must be.”