Tell Senators to Protect Granite Staters’ Privacy!

The New Hampshire Constitution, amended in 2018, recognizes that “An individual’s right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information is natural, essential, and inherent.” (Article 1 Part 2-b)

So far, the legislature has failed to provide any specific policy change to ensure the privacy of Granite Staters is being protected, especially in the digital space. It is critical that the legislature act.

Supreme Court Justice Alito perhaps put it best in Riley v United States (2018). “In light of these developments, it would be very unfortunate if privacy protection in the 21st century were left primarily to the federal courts using the blunt instrument of the Fourth Amendment. Legislatures, elected by the people, are in a better position than we are to assess and respond to the changes that have already occurred and those that almost certainly will take place in the future."

HB 597 restricts the government’s use of warrantless data collection and provides a cause of action for citizens, like me, if our privacy is willfully violated by the government.

It does not, however, ban data collected by governments or private entities and it does make exceptions for emergency situations. The bill simply puts restrictions on use of private data and regulates which parties have access.

It is critical that our policies are forward thinking and adapt to changes in technology. With rapid changes in the use and potential abuse of individual data by government, it is critical the legislature step in to provide clear guardrails and prevent misuse.

I am writing today to ask that you support House Bill 597 and protect my right to privacy, as well as every other Granite Stater’s right.