Protecting Privacy in Washington State
February 14, 2025
To the Members of the Washington State House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans,
My name is Ricci Levy. I am the President and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, a national human rights organization. As a representative of Woodhull and in my capacity as an expert on the human right to sexual freedom, I am writing to you and your fellow members of the Washington State House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans to express our support for Washington House Bill 1671.
The fundamental human right to sexual expression is under threat across the country. Federal and state lawmakers are using their powers not to ensure the health and well-being of their constituents but to target, harass, and abuse the most vulnerable members of our communities. In this moment of unprecedented reversals on sexual, gender, and LGBTQIA+ equality, it is critical that lawmakers on the side of progress, in recognition of our most fundamental human rights, take every opportunity to protect the health and safety of all their constituents. HB 1671 provides this chance to you and your colleagues in Washington state.
HB 1671 is a strong data privacy law that will help us weather these attacks on our communities and our democracy. This bill requires businesses to create clear privacy notices and opportunities for Washingtonians to know what data is being collected about them, request data be deleted, and opt out of having data collected. There are also protections written into the bill that will prevent big tech from discriminate against Washingtonians who choose to protect their personal information and digital footprint. In addition, HB 1671 creates specific protections for sensitive data, including that related to minors, consumer health information, and reproductive health information. With the right to bodily autonomy at severe risk, particularly for people seeking abortions and trans youth seeking critical and lifesaving healthcare, these protections are extremely urgent at this moment.
A massive data breach just occurred from within our federal government, including illegally accessed and potentially stolen or leaked social security numbers and Department of Education data. The situation is critical and this is the time to give the power to everyday peple to secure the privacy of their data. As state lawmakers, you and your constituents play a critical role in fighting back against the historic harms the Trump administration is carrying out. Today, as you hold a hearing on HB 1671, we at Woodhull ask you to recognize the necessity of this bill to protect your constituents, both on and offline, and vote affirmatively to pass it through the committee.
Your consideration of these matters is very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ricci Joy Levy
CEO and President,
Woodhull Freedom Foundation