Bill · S. 2850· Senate(119-S-2850)
Protecting Legislators and Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence from Doxing and Political Violence Act
- Introduced
- 9/17/2025
- Last activity
- 9/17/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Ron Wyden
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to protect Members of Congress, their immediate families, and congressional staff from doxing and political violence. It restricts government agencies and businesses from publicly posting "covered information," such as home addresses and personal phone numbers. Data brokers are specifically prohibited from selling or purchasing this information for "covered persons," which includes legislators, certain government officials, and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence. The bill allows these individuals to request the removal of their private data from the internet within 72 hours. Those affected by violations can seek legal relief in court.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+8
Creates strict rules against doxing and mandates the removal of private data within 72 hours for covered persons.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+7
Strongly enhances privacy for legislators, their families, and survivors of abuse.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+6
Imposes significant restrictions on data brokers and businesses regarding the sale and posting of personal information.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Imposes new compliance burdens and legal liabilities on businesses and data brokers.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
Increases the amount of government record information that can be marked as private and withheld from the public.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection for Survivors of Abuse: Data brokers are prohibited from selling, licensing, trading, or purchasing covered information of individuals who certify they are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault (Section 2(d)(1)(A)).
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Protection for Local and Tribal Officials: The prohibition on data brokers selling covered information extends to elected officials of State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments (Section 2(d)(1)(A)).
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Privacy for Families and Children: The bill protects the personal information of immediate family members and children under 18 of Members of Congress, including their school or day care attendance and routes (Section 2(a)(5)).
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Quick Removal of Private Data: Government agencies and businesses must remove covered information from the internet within 72 hours of receiving a written request (Section 2(b)(2)(B) and Section 2(d)(2)(A)).
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Right to Legal Redress: At-risk individuals can bring legal action for injunctive or declaratory relief if their covered information is made public due to a violation of the act (Section 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Scope of Protection: The strongest protections against public posting and transfers apply specifically to "at-risk individuals" (legislators, staff, and their families) rather than the general public (Section 2(b) and Section 2(d)(1)(B)).
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Exceptions for Government Sources: The prohibition on businesses posting covered information does not apply if the information was lawfully received from a Federal Government source or agent (Section 2(d)(1)(B)(ii)(III)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+8Increases Big Tech Regulation+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+6Good For Women+5Good For Native Americans+4Good For Business Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+7Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 9/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.