House Passes Changes to Video Privacy Protection Act Without Crucial Provisions Approved by Senate
Problematic Change Weakens VPPA Absent Changes to Other Electronic Privacy Laws
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
WASHINGTON – The House Of Representatives today passed an amendment to the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) without including improvements to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA).
The VPPA change, contained in H.R. 6671, limits the consent necessary to share video-rental records, has been a priority for companies like Netflix and Facebook that want to encourage customers to share more personal data. It was a key element of a broader ECPA reform package passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Nov. 29, which would require law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants to access private electronic communications and other content, such as email, private social network posts and other information stored with cloud-based services.
“Changes to electronic privacy cannot happen piecemeal,” said Chris Calabrese, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. “If we are to achieve true reform – which means getting full protection for Americans’ in-boxes and private communication – we cannot give priority to special interests. If they want updates to our privacy laws, they should have to wait in line with the American people.”
H.R. 6671 passed on a voice vote.
Stay informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The latest in National Security
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About National Security

The ACLU’s National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.