Black Box Privacy Protection Act
Latest action (18 Jun 2013): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2414, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would require automobile and motorcycle manufacturers to disclose on a vehicle label the presence and location of any event data recorder ("black box"), what type of information it records, and that such data could be used in law enforcement proceedings. It would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue rules within 180 days establishing a uniform disclosure format. For automobiles manufactured after 2015 (model year 2016 or later) with an event data recorder, the bill would require that the device include a function letting the owner control whether it records information. It also declares that recorded data belongs to the vehicle's owner and makes it unlawful for anyone other than the owner to retrieve that data, except with owner consent, under a court order, or by a dealer or technician servicing the vehicle.
The bill primarily affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, consumers who purchase new automobiles and motorcycles, and enforcement agencies. Violations of the data-ownership and retrieval rules would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, and knowing failures to disclose or violations of the recorder-control requirement could result in criminal fines under federal law.
The bill was introduced on June 18, 2013, by Rep. Michael Capuano and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 113th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Black Box Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Automobile Information Disclosure Act to require manufacturers of new automobiles to disclose on the information label affixed to the window of the automobile: (1) the presence and location of an event data recorder (commonly referred to as a "black box"), (2) the type of information recorded and how such information is recorded, and (3) that the recording may be used in a law enforcement proceeding.
Sets forth similar requirements for motorcycle manufacturers.
Defines "event data recorder" as any device or means of technology installed in an automobile that records information such as automobile or motorcycle speed, seatbelt use, application of brakes, or other information pertinent to the operation of the automobile or motorcycle.
Prohibits the manufacture, sale, offering for sale, or import into the United States of an automobile manufactured after 2015 (bearing a model year of 2016 or later) that is equipped with an event data recorder, unless the consumer can control the recording of information.
Requires the event data recorder in an automobile or motorcycle, and any data recorded, to be considered the property of the owner of the automobile or motorcycle. Makes the retrieval or downloading of recorded data by any other person unlawful, except: (1) with the owner's consent, (2) in response to a court order, or (3) by a dealer or automotive technician to service the vehicle.
Requires certain violations to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2414 do?
- H.R. 2414, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would require automobile and motorcycle manufacturers to disclose on a vehicle label the presence and location of any event data recorder ("black box"), what type of information it records, and that such data could be used in law enforcement proceedings. It would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue rules within 180 days establishing a uniform disclosure format. For automobiles manufactured after 2015 (model year 2016 or later) with an event data recorder, the bill would require that the device include a function letting the owner control whether it records information. It also declares that recorded data belongs to the vehicle's owner and makes it unlawful for anyone other than the owner to retrieve that data, except with owner consent, under a court order, or by a dealer or technician servicing the vehicle. The bill primarily affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, consumers who purchase new automobiles and motorcycles, and enforcement agencies. Violations of the data-ownership and retrieval rules would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, and knowing failures to disclose or violations of the recorder-control requirement could result in criminal fines under federal law. The bill was introduced on June 18, 2013, by Rep. Michael Capuano and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 113th Congress.
- Has H.R. 2414 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 Jun 2013, H.R. 2414 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2414?
- H.R. 2414 was sponsored by Rep. Michael Capuano [D-MA7, 2013-2018] (Democrat-MA), with 19 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2414?
- Introduced (18 Jun 2013).
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