What happened
On about 30 September 2026 Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) reintroduced legislation that would create a new independent federal agency to protect Americans' data, ensure fair data practices and help government adapt to rapidly evolving technology, including limiting the collection, use and sharing of personal data by Big Tech and AI companies.
Why it matters
It is the most prominent US federal proposal of the window for a dedicated data-protection agency with jurisdiction over AI companies' data practices. Early-stage (watch-list), but it frames a plausible future compliance regime for AI deployers covering data minimisation, collection limits and sharing restrictions.
Action needed
US AI companies and data-holding platforms should note the reintroduction as an indicator of an emerging push for a stand-alone privacy/AI federal regulator; no immediate action needed beyond monitoring.