South Delco News

HARRISBURG – Representatives Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny), Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery), and Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware) announced their participation as speakers at “Pennsylvania: The Next State Consumer Privacy Law?” to discuss the proposed Pennsylvania Consumer Data Privacy Act, a bill championed by Mercuri. The event will explore whether Pennsylvania will become the sixth state to adopt a consumer privacy bill.

The event, hosted by the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia chapters of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 29, from noon to 1 p.m. at One PNC Plaza’s Fifth Avenue Conference Room on the 30th floor.

“It’s important to do everything we can to protect consumer data because the laws that surround it are designed for a pre-digital era,” said Mercuri. “In terms of the digital economy, our data privacy environment is like the 'Wild West.' Our personal data about what we buy, where we surf on the internet, what we click, where we drive and our habits as humans is the new oil in the economy because it is valuable and extractable.”

Mercuri’s legislation would require larger companies and personal information aggregators to share more information about what data on individuals is gathered, tracked and sold. Additionally, the bill would allow constituents to opt out without discriminatory consequences while also preserving companies' ability to negotiate with consumers over the value of their information.

“Our world is becoming increasingly more digital, and our vital records and privacy are most at risk,” said Nelson. “That is why I am honored to work with colleagues from across the aisle and across the state on HB 2202 to better address emerging technologies in the digital economy. Whether it is the constant barrage of spam and unwanted solicitations or digital shopping apps that provide purchasing recommendations that seem to be listening in on our personal conversations, Pennsylvania residents should not have to worry about how they are going to safeguard their personal information.”

“Consumers own their data, not those who gather it,” Williams said. “I am working with Rep. Mercuri to find balance between appropriate commercial uses of consumer data and safeguarding consumer privacy. I also believe consumers have a financial stake in using their data and should have compensation for its uses.”

Attendees include cybersecurity and privacy professionals representing various for-profit and non-profit industries. The public is invited to attend via livestream on Teams.

For more information on registering for this event:

Contact for Rep. Mercuri – Nate Temple

Contact for Rep. Nelson – Adrian Sipes

Contact for Rep. Williams – David Foster

Representative Rob Mercuri

28th District

Representative Napoleon Nelson

154th District

Representative Craig Williams

160th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives