Two key members of Congress unveiled the latest iteration of a proposed nationwide comprehensive privacy and data protection bill this past week. House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) that would establish national consumer data privacy rights, set standards for data security, and largely eliminate the existing patchwork of state comprehensive data privacy laws that have come into effect during the past decade.

Selected U.Privacy and Cyber Updates. On January 17, 2024, the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) issued a proposed circular letter for comment, Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems and External Consumer Data and Information Sources in Insurance Underwriting and Pricing. The letter details the NYDFS's expectations and guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence systems (AIS) and external consumer data and information sources (ECDIS) by "all insurers authorized to write insurance in New York State, licensed fraternal benefit societies, and the New York State Insurance Fund." While the NYDFS notes that AIS and ECDIS can provide certain benefits to consumers and insurers, they flag the unique risks - "the self-learning behavior of AIS increases the risks of inaccurate, arbitrary, capricious, or unfairly discriminatory outcomes," and that those outcomes can disproportionately affect marginalized or vulnerable communities and individuals.

The government has U-turned on its plans to phase out the badger cull, with proposals to exterminate the vast majority of some local populations across much of south-west and central England.Ministers plan to introduce controversial targeted culling, also known as "epidemiological culling" or...