The Battle for Privacy: Why the U.S. Must Catch Up
In the latest episode of “The Other Side of the Firewall” podcast, Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, Chris Abacon, and Daniel Acevedo discussed a critical issue in cybersecurity: the struggle for comprehensive privacy legislation in the U.S. Our conversation revolved around a recent article from Wired.com, highlighting the doomed fate of the American Privacy Rights Act, which aimed to protect civil rights within data privacy legislation.
As Shannon pointed out, the U.S. is lagging behind the European Union, which implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) back in 2018. “Why are we so far behind on this?” he asked, noting that the EU has had years to refine their approach. The GDPR includes key principles such as purpose limitation and data minimization, ensuring that personal data is collected and used transparently and only when necessary.
Chris emphasized the pervasive mindset in the U.S. that “data is gold,” turning personal information into a commodity. This attitude, driven by a pro-business stance, undermines efforts to protect individuals’ privacy. “We’re commoditized, we’re just numbers,” he lamented, stressing the need for stronger regulations.
Daniel highlighted the resistance from lawmakers, who opposed language aimed at preventing discrimination in data use. This opposition led to the bill’s collapse, leaving us without essential protections. “Why hasn’t this been passed already?” he questioned, expressing frustration over the prioritization of business interests over individual rights.
As we move forward, the need for robust privacy legislation becomes more urgent. With advancements in neurotechnology, we are on the cusp of an era where even our brain data could be at risk. As I noted, “If the U.S. wasn’t coming with something stronger than the GDPR, the GDPR still would have been the rule of law regardless.”
The conversation underscored a troubling reality: without comprehensive privacy laws, we risk exposing the most intimate details of our lives to exploitation. We must advocate for stronger protections and remain vigilant against efforts to weaken privacy rights.
Tune in to “The Other Side of the Firewall” for more discussions on this critical issue and stay informed about the future of cybersecurity and data privacy.
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Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.
Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.
Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.
Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.