The Obama administration today announced its backing for a data privacy bill of rights that would bring America more in step with how Canada and Europe protect their citizens' rights to privacy.

The milestone announcement came from Commerce Department Assistant Secretary Lawrence Strickling, testifying before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation.

Strickling said the White House wants Congress to enact legislation offering “baseline consumer data privacy protections,” which he said are needed to protect personal data in situations not covered under current law.