Walke files bill to protect Oklahomans' email data

Walke Legislation Would Protect Email Data of Oklahomans 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Collin Walke (D-OKC) filed legislation this session to protect email users’ data from being collected by corporations.

House Bill 2810, dubbed “The Oklahoma Email Communication Content Privacy Protection Act,” would make it illegal for companies, like Google or Microsoft, that host email servers to glean information from users.

"Tech companies have profited off of our private information for years, and it's time we start reclaiming our privacy," Walke said. "House Bill 2810 is what I hope to be the first of many steps toward a more balanced and fair use of private information. 

“In its infancy, email was a quick and efficient communication tool.  However, in today's world, email is a necessity, and we should not have to choose between participating in modern society or having our personal information exploited. I no more want the United State Postal Service knowing when and how I read my mail than I do Google my email.  If tech companies want to be treated as public goods, then ensuring that they do not harness our information for their own personal benefit is an absolute necessity."