The delicate balance of new privacy laws

A new European privacy law will soon give consumers more control over their data. Is it time for Congress to do the same?

Some consumer groups and tech companies support baseline privacy legislation. But the balance between privacy and innovation is a delicate one. In the age of AI, the U.S. can’t afford to lose its competitive edge.

Congress could harmonize our patchwork of sector- and state-specific laws, which could be a welcome change. If this harmonization trends toward an EU approach, it could stymie startups’ ability to compete. Congress should tread carefully — or miss a great opportunity.

– Kurt Wimmer, Partner, Covington & Burling LLP