OVERNIGHT TECH: Data-breach bills debated in both chambers

{mosads}Steve DelBianco, executive director NetChoice:

“The glaring flaw in Sen. Franken’s bill is that it gives plaintiff’s attorneys the incentive to sue America’s leading tech companies for millions of dollars over mere technical violations involving geolocation. No need for attorneys to chase ambulances anymore. The local high school bus is full of kids with smartphones — many whose geolocation is shared with their parents.”

Bill would make E-Verify mandatory for all firms after two years: A bill introduced Tuesday by House Judiciary chairman Lamar Smith
(R-Texas) would require firms to use DHS’ E-Verify system to verify new
hires are eligible to work in the United States. The Legal
Workforce Act would require all U.S. employers to use the system, which
checks the social security numbers of new hires against government
databases to ensure they can work in the U.S. legally. The ACLU argues the program is error-prone and unfairly blocks some legal workers from valid employment opportunities.

On Tap Thursday: IBM CEO Samuel Palmisano will ring the opening bell at New York Stock Exchange to commemorate the firm’s 100th birthday. The tech and consulting titan has a host of activities planned for the celebration.

Vice President Biden will deliver remarks at Eisenhower Executive Office Building at 10 a.m. on the administration’s plan for a national, interoperable public safety broadband network. Other scheduled to appear include FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder.

The Congressional E-Tech Caucus is holding a staff briefing hosted by the Entertainment Software Association at Rayburn House Office Building at 4 p.m. Panelists include Craig Hagen, corporate director of government affairs for Electronic Arts, makers of the Madden series and other popular video games.

ICYMI:

Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) became the first Senator with his own official iPhone app.

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps says there isn’t enough content aimed at minorities on the mobile Web.

Comcast is planning to let customers Skype over their televisions.

President Obama highlighted federal broadband investments in Puerto Rico.

The head of HP’s Washington office is moving on.

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