RILA Testifies before Senate Commerce Committee on Privacy

Today, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Chief Operating Officer Brian Dodge testified on behalf of America's retailers before the Senate Commerce Committee. In a hearing entitled "Policy Principals for a Data Privacy Framework in the United States," Dodge highlighted the industry's commitment to protecting consumer information and utilizing data to better serve retail's customers. 

"As the trade association for America's largest and most innovative brands, we welcome the opportunity to help Congress find a sensible path towards federal data privacy legislation that sets clear privacy expectations for all Americans," Dodge told the committee. 

"Today's highly empowered consumers are the driving force of retail. Retailers have always sought to know their customers to better serve them. To learn more about customers' needs and preferences in order to improve their shopping experience is at the very heart of retail. As we interact with millions of consumers each day, the industry takes a pragmatic approach to privacy that is grounded in the realities of operating global businesses in both the digital and physical world. 

"We are encouraged by the Committee's bipartisan commitment to developing a federal privacy framework. We believe it should be designed to protect consumers and provide clear rules of the road for individuals, businesses, and the government. RILA and leading retailers look forward to continuing to work with policymakers and all stakeholders to advance innovation and consumer privacy." 

To read a full copy of RILA's written testimony click here. 

To learn more about RILA's stance on data privacy and other policy issues, read "What's in Store: RILA's 2019 Policy Agenda" here. 
 

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellenceand innovation. Our aim is to reimagine and transform the retail ecosystem - and equip leading retailers to succeed in it.  

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad. 

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