IAB Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Online Privacy and Children’s Safety Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) today expressed its concerns regarding the current drafts of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and the Online Security Act of the Children (KOSA) under review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. As a leading organization representing more than 700 media companies, agencies and technology companies responsible for a significant share of the US online advertising market, IAB is deeply invested in ensuring that digital advertising continues to support the Free and open internet. IAB communicated its apprehensions in detail letter to Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, as the Committee meets to discuss these critical legislative proposals.

The IAB’s EVP for Public Policy, Lartease Tiffith, highlighted several problems with the proposed APRA, particularly its approach to targeted advertising and small business exemptions. “APRA’s classification of ordinary browsing history as sensitive data requiring opt-in consent could have a severe impact on the availability of free online content and services,” Tiffith explained. IAB research highlights that most consumers appreciate free content and are in favor of transparency rather than restrictive measures.

The letter also points out the impracticality of the exemption criteria for small businesses, which could hinder their growth and sustainability due to unrealistic income and data processing limits.

As for KOSA, the IAB supports the initiative to safeguard children online, but warns that the legislation in its status could significantly stifle the growth of digital advertising, crucial to support free or low-cost services accessible to the children IAB recommends reconsidering the “constructive knowledge standard” that imposes excessive burdens on companies to verify the age of users.

The IAB also stresses the importance of a single, uniform federal privacy law. “Without clear federal preemption, businesses and consumers in all states will face a confusing patchwork of regulations,” Tiffith noted, urging Congress to ensure that national standards override state laws, providing consistency across the board. the edge

“IAB remains committed to working with the Committee and all stakeholders to refine these proposals, ensuring they support innovation and growth while protecting consumer privacy and children’s online safety.”

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau enables the media and marketing industry to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership includes more than 700 media companies, brands, agencies and technology companies responsible for selling, delivering and optimizing digital advertising marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies and the wider business community about the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops standards and technical solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and raising the knowledge, skills, competence and diversity of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, DC, the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policy makers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

Contact IAB Media
Kate Tumino / Brittany Tibaldi
212-896-1252 / 347-487-6794
[email protected]/[email protected]