Key Takeaways
- Cruz was the only senator to oppose the bill, blocking its passage under unanimous consent
- Wyden’s proposal, Senate Bill 2850, targeted data brokers who sell access to personal details to “anyone with a credit card.”
In a major development, a US Senate effort to restrict the sale of Americans’ personal data by brokers stalled this week after Senator Ted Cruz of Texas objected to moving the measure forward.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Ron Wyden, sought to prevent companies from selling sensitive information that can expose people to stalking, harassment, or violence. Wyden argued that the protections should apply universally, not just to lawmakers.
“Members of Congress should not receive special treatment. Our constituents deserve protection from violence, stalking, and other criminal threats,” he told colleagues on the Senate floor. To strengthen his argument, he added that shielding all citizens was also the best way to protect undercover military and intelligence officers.
Cruz was the only senator to oppose the bill, blocking its passage under unanimous consent. He contended that the measure could hinder law enforcement, citing concerns about tracking sex offenders, but did not provide concrete examples. “Such as knowing where sexual predators are living,” he said in his objection.
Wyden’s proposal, Senate Bill 2850, targeted data brokers who sell access to personal details to “anyone with a credit card.” Cruz’s objection ensured the bill could not advance, despite bipartisan interest in tackling the issue.
Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information from public records, online activity, apps, and purchases. They package details like location, health data, demographics, or browsing habits and sell them to advertisers, insurers, or even private buyers.
Moments later, Wyden introduced another bill called the Senate Bill 285, which would have extended protections specifically to federal and state officials, their staff, and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.
Cruz blocked that measure as well, but indicated he was open to further talks. “I’m interested in expanding the protection to as wide a universe as is feasible, as is practicable, but that answer is not yet worked out,” he said.
