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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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RELEASE: Lesch applauds personal data privacy additions to House Jobs Bill

Thursday, April 6, 2017

ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House considered the Omnibus Job Growth and Energy Affordability bill. During the debate, several amendments were passed protecting Minnesotans’ privacy as it relates to internet use, including one offered by Rep. John Lesch (DFL – St. Paul) to prohibit internet providers from refusing to offer service to customers who don’t agree to the collection of their personal data.

Rep. Lesch released the following statement:

“As technology continues to develop and facilitate changes in how we communicate with one another, government and corporations alike must have their ability to gather, use and sell this data remain in check. With Congress’s recent actions to sell out Minnesotans’ personal privacy, it’s important for Legislators to stand up for them as corporate interests get more and more powerful. Today’s amendment was a small step toward ensuring citizens have control over their privacy, and not internet corporations.”

Rep. Lesch is the lead DFL member of the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee. He represents the Como Park, North End, East Side and Hamline-Midway neighborhoods in St. Paul at the Capitol.

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