Congressman Davidson is Concerned About Americans’ Online Privacy, Calls It a ‘Civil Liberties Issue’

 

Congressman Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) is concerned about Americans’ online privacy. He told The Ohio Star, “After 9/11, the U.S. government gave vast surveillance privileges to intelligence agencies. They were supposed to target terrorists and foreign agents, but the overly broad statutes compromised the privacy of innocent Americans.”

“The Fourth Amendment makes clear that Americans’ private information – including internet search history, emails, geo-location data, and call history – is private absent a warrant,” Davidson said; adding, “This is a civil liberties issue, and Congress must stop this government abuse.”

The Congressman believes legislation is needed, but nothing has been introduced in the House yet.

“#4A Americans have a property right in their data. Tech giants have made billions with corrupt plays like this one. Congress must pass #ItsYourData Act to restore privacy protections across all platforms, websites, apps, devices, etc. #DefendFreedom,” wrote Davidson, linking to an article about how Google, Amazon, Apple and others are breaking into the electronic health record business.

The Fourth Amendment, states:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Scott Andrews from EagleFire agreed the data belongs to the people, not to Big Tech. He has been one the voices from the private sector exposing the tech giants. He told The Ohio Star, “Most Americans have embraced Socialism already and won’t admit it: how many free online accounts do you have? Now they want laws against their subsidizers and Big Tech after getting something for free? Is this the American way? No.”

“How about we do a Digital Revolution and decentralize Big Tech ourselves? How about we take responsibility of property that’s ours [personal data] and decide where it resides, how it may be used, etc.” Andrews asked. His company is advising businesses and movements, such Turning Point USA, to do just that.

Andrews advocates Americans take ownership of their data. One of EagleFire’s articles explained, “Your personal data belongs to you. Privacy marketing and new laws don’t go far enough. Personal data ownership is the ultimate fundamental civil right online. Time to take back what’s ours.”

A CBS account of the Google plan explained, “A new report suggests Google is secretly collecting the personal health records of millions of Americans. According to the Wall Street Journal, the tech company is working with a leading nonprofit health system that has facilities in 21 states.”

 

The problem has been ongoing. Congressman Davidson told the Daily Signal nearly two years ago, and shared via Twitter, “#4A ‘I don’t see an expiration date on the Fourth Amendment’.”

– – –

Beth Lear is a reporter at The Ohio Star.  Follow Beth on Twitter.  Email tips to [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

Related posts

Comments