Sen. Wyden Introduces Bill to Modernize Federal Privacy Rules and Increase Penalties for Data Misuse
Federal employees face new data minimization requirements and must document legal authority for each use of personal records. While this adds procedural burden, it also protects federal workers' own personal data from misuse. Employees who willfully mishandle records face dramatically increased criminal penalties — up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines for the most serious violations, compared to the current misdemeanor and $5,000 fine.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Senators Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Van Hollen introduced the Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025. The bill is a direct response to the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) gaining access to systems containing sensitive personal data of millions of Americans.
The Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025 is highlighted as a key regulatory trend in the U.S. aimed at modernizing government data collection. The bill seeks to give individuals stronger legal rights and enforce strict data minimization rules for federal agencies and their contractors.
Lawmakers introduced the Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025 to address the seizure of computer systems containing sensitive personal information. The bill increases civil and criminal penalties for Privacy Act violations and narrows 'routine use' exceptions that allow data sharing.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Privacy Act Modernization Act of 2025
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