Marking Up Newsom's 'Data Dividends' Proposal

Democrats on Capitol Hill say they are intrigued by a proposal from Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) for users to “share in the wealth that is created from their data” — though they would like to hear more details. Gov. Newsom said the plan, which would see people compensated for the use of their personal data, would build on the state’s sweeping data protection law passed in 2018. “Data dividends is an interesting idea,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), adding that there “are a number of conversations in Congress about making sure individuals receive some compensation for the use of their data.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who is working on privacy legislation with fellow Senate Commerce lawmakers, said “in principle, it’s not a bad idea.” He added, “I think the idea that the data belongs to us is right, and the information, data belong to people, not the companies.” According to a new Morning Consult/POLITICO poll, 45 percent of those surveyed somewhat or strongly support Newsom’s data proposal, while 28 percent somewhat or strongly oppose it. Twenty-six percent of respondents said they did not know or had no opinion on it.