Bill aims to establish a national data privacy standard as coalition urges Congress to protect small-business growth and access to digital tools
Washington, D.C., April 22, 2026 – On behalf of hundreds of small businesses and creators across the country represented by the Internet for Growth coalition, Executive Director Brendan Thomas issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the SECURE Data Act (H.R. 8413). Internet for Growth has long supported federal privacy legislation that protects consumers while preserving the digital advertising, media, and marketing tools that expand competition, choice, and convenience in today’s economy:
“Internet for Growth supports strong, clear, and consistent privacy protections for Americans. People deserve transparency and control over their data, and companies have a responsibility to safeguard that data through responsible practices and protections. Small businesses take this obligation seriously because trust is essential to their success.
The introduction of the SECURE Data Act (H.R. 8413) in the House is an important step in the ongoing effort to establish a national privacy framework. The bill builds on the important shared elements of existing state privacy laws, including the right to opt out of targeted advertising, as well as the right to access and delete personal data. It also provides an opportunity to resolve key differences among them, including data minimization and sensitive data definitions, that today create uncertainty and increase compliance costs for small businesses, while recognizing the importance of appropriate exemptions and workable obligations for smaller firms. Moving toward a single national standard has the potential to provide the clarity and consistency that both consumers and businesses need.
At the same time, it is critical to strike the right balance. For millions of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators, digital advertising is not a luxury—it is the most efficient and affordable way to reach customers, compete with larger companies, and grow. What we want to see is a framework that protects consumers while still allowing small businesses to connect with customers in responsible and transparent ways. That means keeping compliance simple and workable, avoiding unnecessary legal risk, and ensuring small businesses maintain access to the tools they rely on to reach customers, grow, and hire.
There is a real opportunity here for Congress to deliver a solution that works for everyone. A thoughtful national privacy law can strengthen consumer trust, support innovation, and help ensure small businesses continue to compete in today’s digital economy.”
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