Congressman Michael Cloud reintroduced the You Own the Data Act (YODA), reaffirming personal ownership of user data, prohibiting companies from collecting and selling private data without consent, and giving Americans tools to protect their privacy. YODA prohibits companies from requiring users to surrender their data as a condition of service, limits data collection to what is reasonably necessary to provide the requested service, and bans tracking cookies without explicit user authorization.
Prohibit companies from collecting, requiring surrender of, or selling private user data without consent, and limit data collection to what is reasonably necessary to provide the requested service.
Occurrences
Mr. Cloud introduced H.R. 8652, the You Own the Data Act, to affirm user ownership of their data, prohibit entities from requiring the transfer or monetization of private data in exchange for services, and prohibit the collection of third-party contact information without written consent.
Evidence
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GovInfo lists H.R. 8652 (IH) as introduced on May 4, 2026 with the action: "Mr. Cloud introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce." The bill title and text match the promise language: prohibiting entities from requiring transfer or monetization of private data, requiring written consent for third-party contact information, and limiting data collection/retention to what is reasonably necessary.
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Cloud's office said on May 4, 2026 that he "reintroduced the You Own the Data Act (YODA)," and that YODA "prohibits companies from requiring users to surrender their data as a condition of service" and "limits data collection to what is reasonably necessary to provide the requested service."
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
GovInfo lists H.R. 8652 as an introduced House bill with “Last Action Date Listed” of May 4, 2026, and the action that Mr. Cloud introduced the bill and it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The version remains “Introduced in House (IH).”
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
The introduced bill text states that Mr. Cloud introduced H.R. 8652 on May 4, 2026 and that it was referred to Energy and Commerce. The bill would prohibit requiring transfer or monetization of private data for services, require written consent for user-contact access, and limit collection, sharing, use, and retention to what is reasonably necessary for a requested service or activity.
Assessments
Cloud materially advanced promise-aligned legislation by reintroducing the You Own the Data Act in the 119th Congress; the bill text addresses consent, surrender or monetization of private data, and reasonable-necessity limits on collection and retention. However, the evidence shows only introduction and committee referral, with no enactment or implemented federal prohibition. Under the rule for serious but unsuccessful legislative attempts, this is not delivered, but earns an effort badge.
Cloud materially advanced promise-aligned legislation by introducing/reintroducing H.R. 8652, the You Own the Data Act, on May 4, 2026. The bill text matches the promise by restricting data surrender as a condition of service and limiting collection to what is reasonably necessary. However, available status information shows the bill was only introduced and referred to committee, with no enactment or implemented federal prohibition. Because this is a serious legislative attempt but not delivery of the promised policy outcome, it should be scored as not fulfilled with an effort badge.