Black Box Privacy Protection Act
Latest action (21 May 2015): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2526, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would regulate "event data recorders" (EDRs), the devices commonly known as "black boxes" that record information such as speed, seatbelt use, and braking in vehicles. The bill would require manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles to disclose, via a label, that an EDR is present, where it is located, what type of information it records, and that this data could be used in law enforcement proceedings. For automobiles manufactured after 2015 with a 2016 or later model year, manufacturers would also have to include a feature letting consumers turn EDR recording on or off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be required to issue rules for uniform disclosure within 180 days of enactment.
The bill affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and consumers who purchase new cars and motorcycles. It would establish that EDR devices and the data they collect belong to the vehicle's owner, and would make it illegal for others to retrieve that data without the owner's consent, a court order, or for routine service/repair purposes. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission.
The bill was introduced in the House on May 21, 2015, by Rep. Michael Capuano with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 114th 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. Makes violators liable to the U.S. government for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation with a maximum penalty of $35 million for a related series of violations.
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. 2526 do?
- H.R. 2526, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would regulate "event data recorders" (EDRs), the devices commonly known as "black boxes" that record information such as speed, seatbelt use, and braking in vehicles. The bill would require manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles to disclose, via a label, that an EDR is present, where it is located, what type of information it records, and that this data could be used in law enforcement proceedings. For automobiles manufactured after 2015 with a 2016 or later model year, manufacturers would also have to include a feature letting consumers turn EDR recording on or off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be required to issue rules for uniform disclosure within 180 days of enactment. The bill affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and consumers who purchase new cars and motorcycles. It would establish that EDR devices and the data they collect belong to the vehicle's owner, and would make it illegal for others to retrieve that data without the owner's consent, a court order, or for routine service/repair purposes. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission. The bill was introduced in the House on May 21, 2015, by Rep. Michael Capuano with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 114th Congress.
- Has H.R. 2526 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 May 2015, H.R. 2526 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2526?
- H.R. 2526 was sponsored by Rep. Michael Capuano [D-MA7, 2013-2018] (Democrat-MA), with 16 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2526?
- Introduced (21 May 2015).
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