Kat Cammack Questions Witnesses On 'Gray Area' In Data Collection

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

At Wednesday's House Energy Committee hearing, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) spoke to witnesses about data collectin.

In a recent conversation, Representative Kat Cammack addressed the issue of data collection and its ethical implications. Cammack, who represents the Gator Nation, raised concerns about federal agencies collecting data from various companies and then using it in ways that may or may not be ethical.

Cammack's primary concern was the national security implications of data collection and the subsequent breaches that have occurred. She asked the witnesses to weigh in on the issue, starting with Miss Rich. Rich noted that there are many international implications to data collection, including the effect it has on trade and companies' ability to process European data. She also noted that it creates inefficiencies and affects U.S. companies' credibility as they deal with other countries.

Ms. Givens agreed with Rich's assessment and emphasized that the unfettered collection, storage, and sharing of data creates cybersecurity and national security risks. She advocated for a framework that minimizes the amount of data companies collect and store and puts limits on how they can share that information.

Mr. Mudd concurred with the other witnesses, noting that the more data is out there, the bigger the risk. He emphasized the need to limit data collection through technology and regulation to reduce national security risks.

Cammack also raised the issue of whether data servers should be housed in the United States as part of the national security framework. However, Ms. Givens cautioned against this, noting that the global flow of information around the world is essential for the functioning of the global internet and for the US to be a leader in innovation around the world.

Finally, Cammack raised the issue of AI and its implications for data collection. Ms. Rich noted that as AI transforms society, Congress will need to grapple with the issue for a long time. Mr. Mudd emphasized the importance of regulating AI use and detecting explicit bias, as well as ensuring transparency so consumers have an understanding of the end result.

In summary, the conversation highlighted the complex issues surrounding data collection and its ethical implications, particularly in relation to national security. The witnesses noted the importance of limiting data collection through technology and regulation, as well as the need for transparency and bias detection in AI use. As technology continues to evolve, it will be essential for policymakers to keep up with the changing landscape of data collection and usage.