Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy

The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy is a specialized division of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It focuses on a narrower slice of the parent committee's broad jurisdiction over interstate commerce and technology, concentrating specifically on consumer affairs, product safety, data privacy, cybersecurity, and related matters. The subcommittee conducts oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), among other agencies, and prepares legislation for consideration by the full committee.

The subcommittee's jurisdiction covers consumer product safety and liability, property and casualty insurance, sports-related consumer matters, and international data transfer issues. It also addresses emerging concerns around consumer privacy and data security in the digital age. This specialized focus allows the subcommittee to develop expertise in how technology companies collect, use, and protect consumer data—issues that cut across multiple industries and affect everyday Americans.

Chaired by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) with Ranking Member John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO), the subcommittee has 17 members. Recent activity includes a January 2026 hearing on live entertainment ticket sales practices, examining how ticket-selling platforms charge fees and use automated systems that disadvantage consumers. The subcommittee has also engaged in broader discussions about establishing federal privacy standards to protect Americans' personal information online and address cybersecurity threats.