LGBTQ group backs internet privacy law

By Lily Alexander

A bill designed to protect New Mexicans’ data from federal scrutiny has the backing of a local LGBTQ rights group, whose executive director says such measures have heightened importance in the current political climate.

Reps. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) and Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) introduced House Bill 307, the Internet Privacy and Safety Act, on Wednesday with the support of Equality New Mexico.

The bill specifically would regulate which entities can collect personal data from internet users, what type of data they can collect, and with whom they can share or sell the data. It would require that apps or websites only collect the data needed to provide a service, and receive a user’s affirmative consent to have their data sold or traded to another entity.

This would mean apps or websites could not be forced to provide the federal government with a person’s data, according to EQNM Executive Director Marshall Martinez. This data includes immigration status, racial identity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

If passed, the bill would also help prevent harmful targeted advertisements, Martinez said, like those for weight loss treatments.

“It’s protecting people on the internet, protecting people’s information on the internet and making sure that everybody has autonomy,” he said.

Martinez said the data regulations and improving the safety of the internet are particularly important for the LGBTQ+ community because of President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders targeting transgender people.

“Locking down this data is also a way of protecting our community in New Mexico from a hostile federal government,” he said.

The bill would also require apps and websites with knowledge that a user is a minor to follow distinct rules about privacy settings. Martinez said the bill is a response to the idea that the internet is inherently dangerous and children inherently need protection.

“Everybody needs protection, and we need protection that protects everybody without restricting access,” Martinez said.

The bill was referred to the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.

This story was published by Source New Mexico as part of a collaboration with UNM’s Statehouse Reporting Project.