Ted Cruz blocked Senate Bill 2850 and a narrower follow-up, arguing that sweeping limits on data broker access could hinder law enforcement tracking of violent offenders; he proposed refining protections to balance privacy and public safety while offering to work with Senator Wyden on revisions.
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Ted Cruz blocked SB 2850 and SB 2851 to seek clearer law-enforcement carve-outs
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SB 2850 would restrict data brokers from selling sensitive personal data to the public.
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Security context: over 50 crypto-related home attacks were recorded in 2025, per a public database managed by Jameson Lopp.
Meta description: Ted Cruz blocks privacy bill SB 2850 that limits data brokers; COINOTAG explains the dispute, implications for public safety and privacy, and next steps for lawmakers.
What is SB 2850 and why did Ted Cruz block it?
SB 2850 is a Senate privacy bill intended to curb data brokers from selling sensitive personal information. Senator Ted Cruz objected, saying the bill as written could impede law enforcement access to critical data and needs refinement to protect public safety while limiting broad data exposure.
How does SB 2851 differ from SB 2850?
SB 2851 is a narrower proposal that would extend protections primarily to federal lawmakers, state officials and staff, and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Cruz also blocked SB 2851, citing similar concerns about potential gaps for law enforcement access and arguing for more targeted language.
Two bipartisan bills to protect the data of all Americans were blocked by Senator Ted Cruz, who argued it may affect law enforcement efforts to track down criminals.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz objected to Senate Bill 2850, a bipartisan proposal by Senator Ron Wyden to restrict data brokers from selling sensitive personal information broadly to the public. Cruz said the bill needed refinement to preserve law enforcement tools used to locate convicted and suspected violent offenders.
The vote drew attention because Cruz was the lone senator to formally object on Wednesday. He clarified he supports expanding privacy protections broadly where practicable, but said the current text risks unintended public-safety consequences.
Wyden introduced SB 2850 to curb the sale of names, home addresses, phone numbers, and other sensitive data that can be bought by “anyone with a credit card.” Wyden argued the data fuels stalking, targeted violence, and doxxing.
Cruz also blocked a narrower follow-up, SB 2851, intended to protect federal lawmakers, state officials and staff, and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. He cited the same concerns and offered to work with Wyden to find language that balances privacy and investigatory needs.
Privacy debates intensified in the wake of several high-profile attacks. Recent calls to expand protections followed the fatal home attack on former Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman in June. The FBI believes the alleged assailant located Hortman’s address through data broker records.
Members of the crypto community have also been targeted. A public database managed by Bitcoiner Jameson Lopp lists over 50 attacks on people or families holding crypto in 2025, many involving perpetrators using online data to find victims’ homes.
How could Congress refine these bills to protect privacy and safety?
Lawmakers can refine privacy bills by including narrowly tailored law-enforcement exceptions, strict audit and warrant requirements, and defined categories of protected data. Senator Cruz signaled willingness to collaborate on language that preserves investigative access while reducing mass data exposure.
Comparison: SB 2850 vs SB 2851
| Feature | SB 2850 (Broad) | SB 2851 (Narrow) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | All Americans’ data | Lawmakers, officials, and certain survivors |
| Primary aim | Limit data broker sales to public | Extend protections for specific high-risk groups |
| Law enforcement carve-outs | Not explicit enough per objection | Also deemed insufficient by objector |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ted Cruz block SB 2850?
Cruz blocked SB 2850 because he believes the bill, as drafted, may restrict law enforcement access to data used in locating violent offenders and protecting children. He called for clearer, practicable exceptions and offered to work on revisions.
Will blocking SB 2850 stop privacy reform in Congress?
Blocking the bill delays immediate enactment but does not end reform momentum. Senators signaled interest in compromise language to protect both privacy and public safety, making further negotiation likely.
Key Takeaways
- Single-senator objection: Ted Cruz blocked both bills, citing law enforcement concerns.
- Scope matters: SB 2850 is broad; SB 2851 is narrow—both need clearer exceptions.
- Next steps: Bipartisan talks and refined drafting are expected to reconcile privacy protections with public-safety needs.
Conclusion
Senate debate over SB 2850 and SB 2851 highlights the challenge of protecting Americans from data-broker exposure while preserving investigative tools. COINOTAG will monitor negotiations as Senators pursue precise language to secure privacy without compromising public safety. Expect further bipartisan drafting and stakeholder input in the coming weeks.
Published: 2025-10-02 · Updated: 2025-10-02 · Author: COINOTAG
