Illinois senators have narrowly approved legislation to give individuals the right to find out what information online companies collect on them. It would also allow internet users to determine which third party companies, like Facebook or Google, they are sharing their personally-identifying details with.
Companies would be required to respond to queries within 30 days. Failure to comply could result in prosecution by the state's attorney.The measure is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Michael Hastings of Tinley Park. He says it would empower consumers amid the $84 billion information-selling industry by mandating that all companies collecting, maintaining and distributing data in Illinois comply with requests.Republicans counter the plan would overburden businesses while doing little to protect consumers.
