Springfield Standard

Congressman Eric Burlison has introduced the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, a legislative effort aimed at safeguarding the privacy of American vehicle owners. The bill is designed to give consumers control over data generated by their vehicles, restrict unauthorized data sharing, and enhance protections against misuse by manufacturers and foreign entities. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee.

“Americans shouldn’t have to trade their privacy for convenience when driving their cars,” stated Rep. Burlison. He emphasized that the legislation prioritizes consumer rights and protects sensitive personal information from exploitation.

Senator Lee echoed these sentiments, saying, “Ownership should mean control.” He noted that Americans should decide who accesses their personal data and how it is used.

The proposed legislation includes several key provisions: preventing manufacturers from accessing or selling vehicle data without explicit consent; limiting data sharing to emergencies or court orders; prohibiting data sharing with nations like China, Russia, and Iran; and requiring manufacturers to provide free access to vehicle data with an option for deletion.

A study by the Mozilla Foundation revealed that 92% of car brands offer minimal control over user data while collecting sensitive information often shared with third parties. This situation has led to a market projected to generate up to $750 billion by 2030 through auto data monetization practices that compromise consumer privacy.

“The Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act puts Americans back in the driver’s seat when it comes to their personal data,” added Burlison.

The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders. Bill Chankel of the National Association of Fleet Administrators expressed appreciation for efforts ensuring unrestricted access to vehicle-generated data. Sharky Laguana of the American Car Rental Association highlighted the importance of open APIs allowing consumers to delete infotainment system data, aligning with ACRA's mission for growth while protecting customer privacy.

Both associations commended Senator Lee and Representative Burlison for their leadership on this issue and committed support toward passing this legislation swiftly.