WASHINGTON, DC – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) today voiced its concerns regarding the current drafts of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) under review by the House Energy & Commerce Committee. As a leading organization representing over 700 media companies, agencies, and technology firms responsible for a significant share of the U.S. online advertising market, IAB is deeply invested in ensuring that digital advertising continues to support the free and open Internet. IAB has communicated its apprehensions in a detailed letter to Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, as the Committee convenes to discuss these critical legislative proposals.
IAB’s EVP for Public Policy, Lartease Tiffith, highlighted several issues with the proposed APRA, particularly its approach to targeted advertising and small business exemptions. “The APRA’s classification of ordinary browsing history as sensitive data demanding opt-in consent could severely impact the availability of free online content and services,” Tiffith explained. IAB research underscores that most consumers appreciate free content and are in favor of transparency rather than restrictive measures.
The letter also points out the impracticality of the exemption criteria for small businesses, which could hinder their growth and sustainability due to unrealistic revenue and data processing limits.
Regarding KOSA, IAB supports the initiative to safeguard children online but warns that the legislation as it stands could significantly stifle the growth of digital advertising, crucial for supporting free or low-cost services accessible to children. IAB advises reconsidering the ‘constructive knowledge standard’ which imposes excessive burdens on businesses to verify user ages.
IAB also stresses the importance of a single, uniform federal privacy law. “Without clear federal preemption, businesses and consumers across states will face a confusing patchwork of regulations,” Tiffith noted, urging Congress to ensure that national standards override state laws, providing consistency across the board.
“IAB remains committed to working with the Committee and all stakeholders to refine these proposals, ensuring that they support innovation and growth while protecting consumer privacy and children’s online safety.”
About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and diversity of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.
IAB Media Contacts
Kate Tumino / Brittany Tibaldi
212-896-1252 / 347-487-6794
[email protected]/[email protected]
