Grundy Reporter

Illinois Senate Minority Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is urging Congress to take further action to protect every American’s sensitive personal information. Rezin emphasized the importance of safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in the digital age, stating, “This isn’t about protecting data; it’s about protecting people and their right to privacy.”

Rezin called on Congress to enact national legislation similar to the Privacy Rights Act she introduced in the Illinois Senate. The proposed Act would empower individuals by providing them with the right to know what data is being collected about them, who it is being shared or sold to, as well as the ability to request corrections, deletion, and opt-out options without fear of retaliation from companies.

The senator highlighted the need for proactive measures to protect citizens from potential threats in both the physical and digital realms. She stressed that it is crucial to empower individuals with the tools to safeguard their sensitive personal information from being collected and shared without their consent.

In her call to action, Rezin pointed out that while the recent focus has been on protecting personal data from foreign threats, it is equally important to address the domestic collection and selling of sensitive information with limited oversight. She emphasized that individuals should have the right to control their data and ensure their privacy is respected.

Several states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia, have already implemented their own comprehensive data privacy laws, with others considering similar measures. Additionally, the European Union has enacted stringent privacy data laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Act.

Senator Rezin's advocacy underscores the growing need for robust data privacy protections at the national level to safeguard Americans' personal information in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.