Part I: 
                                     Legislative Tracing
The policy I went with is the American Privacy Rights Act a proposed federal law designed to regulate how companies collect, store, and use personal data. This legislation was introduced in Congress by bipartisan lawmakers in response to increasing concerns about data privacy and the lack of a unified federal standard. The proposal process involved drafting the bill, introducing it in either the House or Senate, and then referring it to committees for review, discussion, and potential amendments before it could proceed further.
                                        Public Availability of the Policy
The policy has been made public through official government platforms such as Congress.gov, where full bill text, summaries, and updates on legislative actions are available. Additionally, media coverage and technology policy organizations have discussed the bill, making it accessible to the public and stakeholders.
                                                Interesting Aspects
One aspect I found interesting is how the bill attempts to create a nationwide data privacy standard, replacing the current patchwork of state laws. It also includes provisions that give users more control over their data, such as the right to access, delete, and limit how their information is used. What surprised me is how complex and slow the legislative process is, especially for technology-related issues. Even though data privacy is a major concern, passing comprehensive legislation requires agreement between multiple stakeholders and political groups.
                                                  My Career Relation 
As someone studying information science and security, this legislation is highly relevant. Data privacy laws directly impact on how organizations handle user data, design systems, and ensure compliance. Understanding these policies is essential for working in cybersecurity, IT management, or information governance.

                                                                     Part II
                     Information Policy and Data Privacy in Modern Technology
 
                                                      INTRODUCTION
In recent years, data privacy has become one of the most significant concerns in the field of information technology. With the rapid growth of digital platforms and online services, large amounts of personal data are being collected, stored, and analyzed by organizations. A recent policy-related issue that has gained attention is the push for comprehensive federal data privacy legislation in the United States, particularly the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). This topic highlights the growing need for stronger information policies to protect users in a digital society. 

                                                          BODY 
The core issue surrounding this topic is the lack of a unified national data privacy law in the United States. Currently, companies operate under a fragmented system of state-level regulations, such as those in California, which creates inconsistencies in how personal data is handled. This situation makes it difficult for both consumers and organizations to clearly understand their rights and responsibilities. As a result, users are often unaware of how their data is being used, while companies may struggle to comply with multiple regulatory frameworks. The American Privacy Rights Act attempts to address this issue by introducing a comprehensive federal standard for data privacy. The legislation includes provisions that would require companies to limit data collection, provide transparency about how data is used, and give users more control over their personal information. These rights include the ability to access, correct, and delete personal data. From the legislative tracing exercise, such policies go through a complex process involving proposal, committee review, and public discussion before they can be enacted into law. This complexity reflects the challenges of balancing innovation, business interests, and consumer protection. Several stakeholders are involved in this policy issue. First, consumers are directly affected, as they are the individuals whose data is being collected and used. Technology companies are also major stakeholders, as they must adapt their systems and practices to comply with new regulations. Government agencies play a role in enforcing these laws and ensuring compliance. Additionally, advocacy groups and privacy organizations are involved in shaping conversation and pushing for stronger protection. From my perspective, the core of this issue lies in the tension between technological advancement and individual privacy. While data collection enables personalized services and innovation, it also raises concerns about surveillance, misuse, and security breaches. I believe that strong, clear, and enforceable policies are necessary to ensure that technology is used responsibly. However, these policies must also be flexible enough to adapt to future technological developments. The implications of this issue are significant for both information professionals and society. For information professionals, understanding and complying with data privacy regulations is becoming a critical part of their role. This includes implementing secure systems, managing data responsibly, and ensuring that organizational practices align with legal requirements. For society, stronger privacy protections can increase trust in technology and reduce the risks associated with data misuse.
                                                           CONCLUSION
 In conclusion, the development of data privacy legislation such as the American Privacy Rights Act reflects the growing importance of information policy in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for policies to keep pace to protect individuals and maintain ethical standards. Addressing the challenges of data privacy will require collaboration among stakeholders and a commitment to balancing innovation with responsibility.

                                                        REFERENCES
•	Congress.gov. (2024). American Privacy Rights Act. 
•	Pasek, J. (2015). Defining information policy: Relating issues to the information cycle. 
•	ACM TechNews or IEEE article (you can add one if your professor requires a news citation—I can find one for you if you want)
•	Pasek, J. (2015). Defining information policy: Relating issues to the information cycle. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 21(3), 286–303.
•	U.S. Congress. (2022). American Data Privacy and Protection Act. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/
•	Association for Computing Machinery. (2026). Tech policy news. Retrieved from http://technews.acm.org/