1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support and pass the New York Privacy Act (S3044/A4947), critical legislation that would protect New Yorkers' fundamental right to privacy. Our personal data has become a commodity. Tech companies and data brokers collect vast amounts of information about our browsing habits, purchases, locations, and health—often without meaningful consent. This data is bought and sold with little oversight, exposing us to privacy breaches, discrimination, and manipulation. New Yorkers deserve legal protections that place control back in our hands. The New York Privacy Act would establish baseline privacy rights by requiring companies to: - Be transparent about what data they collect and how they use it - Obtain meaningful consent before collecting sensitive personal information - Allow individuals to access, delete, and correct their personal data - Provide opt-out rights and protect consumers from discriminatory pricing based on data use - Maintain reasonable data security standards to prevent breaches These protections are not radical—they reflect privacy standards already emerging across the country and world. Consumers in California, Virginia, Colorado, and Connecticut have privacy rights. The European Union's GDPR has proven that strong privacy laws are compatible with thriving economies and innovation. New York should not lag behind. Our state is home to millions of residents whose data is exploited daily, as well as countless businesses operating here. Passing comprehensive privacy legislation protects both. Companies want clear rules and consistency; our constituents need certainty that their private information is safeguarded. I urge you to co-sponsor and vote for S3044/A4947. Privacy is not a partisan issue—it's a fundamental right that transcends political lines. New Yorkers are counting on you to stand up for them. Thank you for your consideration and service.