Congress is playing catch-up in the race to regulate tech giants’ data practices

Tech giants have made it clear that their top priority is persuading Congress to pass legislation that overrules, or "pre-empts," state laws.

• Democrats on Capitol Hill see an opening to impose some tough requirements — like giving the Federal Trade Commission more authority or making web platforms more liable for data leaks — as part of that bargain.
• At least three privacy bills have been introduced so far in Congress the year and more will probably be re-introduced from the last session. There will also be new proposals, including one on kids privacy from Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

The clock is ticking: This year is the most likely window for bipartisan legislation, as passing laws during the 2020 election year will be tough.