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          The Transportation First Series offers a platform to discuss the challenges faced by our region, with the input of experts and changemakers.

          06/12/2025

          2:45pm - 4:30pm

          Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
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          Public Policy
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | Senator Edward J. Markey

          Hear from Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and leader on energy, environmental protection, and telecommunications policy.

          06/16/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Boston Marriott Long Wharf

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
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        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
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          • Pacesetters
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        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
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          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
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          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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Chamber Submits Testimony on Data & Information Privacy Legislation

October 15, 2021

October 13, 2021

The Chamber believes protecting consumer data and privacy is paramount, but there are significant concerns about policy approaches that authorize private rights of action and create a second standard for entities covered under existing federal laws. Furthermore, instead of a state law, the Chamber prefers federal legislation to create a single, national standard.

The Chamber strongly opposes any legislation, including S. 46, that allows for a private right of action related to data use or privacy, particularly when the action would be coupled with potentially exorbitant awards like 0.15% of global revenue. Furthermore, there are vague and subjective terms that would create a maelstrom if private rights of action were to be litigated. For example, S. 46 prohibits covered entities from using personal information in a way that is “highly offensive” and that they must be “loyal to the individuals whose personal information is processed.” The vagueness of these terms, combined with the potential for tens of millions in awards, risks a tsunami of lawsuits.

In addition, several bills before the committee create a second standard for entities covered by federal data privacy and protection rules. Virginia’s recently adopted law includes more than 10 exemptions for entities already regulated under federal statute for data privacy and data security standards. For example, financial institutions are already required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide data collection notice requirements, establish institutional privacy policies, and collect consumer third-party data processing consent, among additional requirements. Other instances in which the state should defer to federal law would include, but is not limited to, health information that already is required to be de-identified in accordance with HIPPA and public health data.

In general, and because of the issues described in this letter, the Chamber strongly prefers federal legislation for addressing consumer data protection and privacy. A single, national standard would make compliance simpler and avoid confusion for both covered entities and consumers about individual data rights.

Download the letter here.

Carolyn Ryan

Senior Vice President, Policy & Research

[email protected]
617-557-7310

Download the Letter

Download

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