Contact Congress about S. 1029: Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023

Data brokers could not sell or trade private lists of U.S. service members to certain foreign countries. The FTC and state attorneys general could take violators to federal court. The rule would start when the FTC finishes its rule, or one year after the bill becomes law, whichever comes first.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023 is a Senate bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects data brokers, U.S. service members, and enforcement officials. Data brokers would have to check whether their lists include current or former service members and whether a buyer is a covered nation. Service members could have less private data sold through one commercial channel. The FTC and state attorneys general would gain new enforcement work.

Why this matters: Personal data about service members can create safety and security risks when it is sold in bulk. This bill tries to block one route for certain foreign countries to buy that data from commercial data brokers. It also creates clear enforcement roles for the FTC and states. The bill does not stop every possible way those countries might get similar information.

Key provisions in S. 1029

• Data brokers could not sell or trade paid lists of service members’ personal information to a covered nation. A covered nation means a foreign country listed under existing defense law.
• A data broker means a business that knowingly collects and sells personal information. The rule applies when the business has no direct relationship with the people in the data.
• The bill covers lists about current or former service members. The lists must be made to collect non-public personal information, and the bill uses existing federal law for who counts as a service member.
• The FTC would treat violations as unfair or deceptive business practices. That gives the agency its usual enforcement powers and penalties.
• The FTC could enforce this law against nonprofit organizations. That is important because nonprofits are often outside parts of the FTC’s usual power.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1029

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1029

What is S. 1029?

Data brokers could not sell or trade private lists of U.S. service members to certain foreign countries. The FTC and state attorneys general could take violators to federal court. The rule would start when the FTC finishes its rule, or one year after the bill becomes law, whichever comes first.

How do I support or oppose S. 1029?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1029?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 1029?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.