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H.R. 736·115th Congress·House Bill

Black Box Privacy Protection Act

Stage not supplied

The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.

Latest action (3 Feb 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.

What this bill does

H.R. 736, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would require manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles to disclose specific information about event data recorders, commonly known as "black boxes." This disclosure would appear on the vehicle's window sticker and would detail the presence and location of the recorder, the types of data it collects, and that this data might be used in law enforcement proceedings. Additionally, for vehicles manufactured in 2016 or later, manufacturers would need to ensure consumers can control the recording function of these devices.

This bill affects manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles, as well as consumers who purchase them. It aims to inform buyers about the data recording capabilities of their vehicles and gives them control over this recording. The bill also establishes that event data recorders and their recorded data are the property of the vehicle owner. Retrieving this data would be unlawful without the owner's consent, a court order, or for servicing purposes by dealers or technicians. Violations by manufacturers could result in civil penalties.

H.R. 736 was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2017 and currently has the status of "Introduced." It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process, meaning it has not been voted on by the full House or Senate, nor has it been signed into law.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.

Official summary

Black Box Privacy Protection Act

This bill 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.

The bill sets forth similar requirements for motorcycle manufacturers.

An "event data recorder" is 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.

The bill 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. Violators are 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.

The event data recorder in an automobile or motorcycle, and any data recorded, shall be considered the property of the owner of the automobile or motorcycle. Retrieval or downloading of recorded data by any other person is 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.

Certain violations are to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Timeline

  1. 3 Feb 2017

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Common questions

What does H.R. 736 do?
H.R. 736, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act, would require manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles to disclose specific information about event data recorders, commonly known as "black boxes." This disclosure would appear on the vehicle's window sticker and would detail the presence and location of the recorder, the types of data it collects, and that this data might be used in law enforcement proceedings. Additionally, for vehicles manufactured in 2016 or later, manufacturers would need to ensure consumers can control the recording function of these devices. This bill affects manufacturers of new automobiles and motorcycles, as well as consumers who purchase them. It aims to inform buyers about the data recording capabilities of their vehicles and gives them control over this recording. The bill also establishes that event data recorders and their recorded data are the property of the vehicle owner. Retrieving this data would be unlawful without the owner's consent, a court order, or for servicing purposes by dealers or technicians. Violations by manufacturers could result in civil penalties. H.R. 736 was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2017 and currently has the status of "Introduced." It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process, meaning it has not been voted on by the full House or Senate, nor has it been signed into law.
Has H.R. 736 become law?
The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 736. Check the latest action and official source below.
Who sponsored H.R. 736?
H.R. 736 was sponsored by Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-7] (D-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on H.R. 736?
Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection. (3 Feb 2017).

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