Texas Senator Ted Cruz has halted a privacy bill aimed at safeguarding Americans from data brokers, stating that law enforcement requires access to some data and that the legislation needs further refinement.
The only senator to oppose Democrat Ron Wyden’s Senate Bill 2850, Cruz argued on Wednesday that insufficient data could hinder efforts to keep convicted sex offenders away from children, as reported.
SB 2850 aims to prevent broker exposure of personal information
Wyden indicated that SB 2850 seeks to safeguard Americans from data brokers selling sensitive information to “anyone with a credit card,” noting that such information is sometimes used for violence, stalking, and other criminal acts.
Cruz, a critic of central bank digital currencies and surveillance, mentioned to his colleagues that he wishes to extend protections broadly, though he feels the specifics are not yet clear.
He also rejected Wyden’s subsequent privacy bill, Senate Bill 2851, which aims to limit protections to federal lawmakers, state officials, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Nonetheless, Cruz expressed willingness to collaborate with Wyden on the bipartisan measure, emphasizing that he doesn’t want Congress to “do nothing and neglect reasonable steps” that could compromise the privacy of law-abiding citizens.
Cointelegraph attempted to contact Cruz and Wyden for their comments but did not receive a response prior to publication.
The cryptocurrency community has passionately debated privacy, advocating for freedom from surveillance. Reducing the data shared with brokers could also help mitigate security breach risks, a persistent issue domestically and internationally.
Significant controversies persist regarding how online data is collected and utilized. Data brokers amass details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and financial information to sell to businesses for marketing and to aid data-driven decision-making.
Privacy advocacy follows assassination of lawmaker
Demands for enhanced privacy protections for lawmakers increased after the assassination of former Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman at her residence in June.
Related: I funded my lifestyle from Bitcoin, not Telegram: Pavel Durov
The FBI believes the alleged assailant, Luther Boelter, discovered Hortman’s address through data brokers.
Members within the crypto sector have similarly faced threats, including killings and kidnappings. According to a database maintained by Bitcoiner Jameson Lopp, there have been over 50 attacks on cryptocurrency holders in 2025 alone, many of which involved attackers discovering victims’ home addresses to execute their acts.
Wyden investigates a leading crypto executive
Meanwhile, Wyden confirmed he has initiated a probe into Dan Morehead, founder of the crypto venture firm Pantera Capital, regarding his tax strategies.
Wyden alleges that Morehead improperly evaded over $100 million in US taxes by misrepresenting his residency status and exploiting Puerto Rico’s tax system.
Wyden claimed Morehead treated the substantial capital gains as exempt from US tax laws, even though most of those gains were accrued while he was in California.
Cointelegraph sought comment from Morehead but did not receive a response before publication.
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