Today, technology has far outpaced privacy law. Data brokers and Big Tech are free to do almost anything they want with our personal information, including selling our cellphone location data on the open market.
That’s why we have been working with groups from across the state to push for stronger data privacy protections.
When I was thinking recently about this push for data privacy at the State House, I got to thinking about a really important question: What are the best songs about data privacy?
So I put together my top five favorite songs about privacy and surveillance (đ„đ„):
5. “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers
4. “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s
3. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
2. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
1. The sweet sound of people calling their legislators to demand action on data privacy (It’s music to my ears)
That’s right: nothing beats the sound of people putting pressure on their elected officials to take overdue action.
Can you call or email your state rep today in support of taking action to protect data privacy?
Here’s what you need to know:
- The MA Senate passed a bill to ban the sale of sensitive data (like location data) and curtail what companies can collect back in September.
- The MA House’s Advanced IT Committee advanced a bill (H.4746) in November.
- The clock is ticking, and we need the House to bring it up for a vote.
And here’s what you can do:
- Email your state rep in support of urgent action on data privacy.
- Give your rep a call.
- Join the data privacy advocacy day at the State House this Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm. (Drop in any time!)
In solidarity,
Jonathan Cohn
Policy Director
Progressive Massachusetts
PS: When you call or email about data privacy, it can’t hurt to add a note about why the House should also back down from its push for online age verification policies that are filled with privacy landmines.
