As technology updates at a rapid pace, we have now gotten to a point in which just about every part of our life collects data on us. This includes many different types of vehicles at this point even, as many new models are equipped with internet connection capabilities and will collect data on the driver as it functions. However, up to this point, nothing has been done to address how this works. Because we have had things such as our computers and phones collecting data for some time now, there is some legislation that sets boundaries on how data can be collected and used. However, cars collecting data is a relatively new idea and legislation has not been created to regulate it. With this bill, Oregon may change that.
There are benefits to the technologically advanced cars, but regulations should be done.
Oregon lawmakers are discovering that with every sensor, camera, and lane assistance add-on in a car, comes data that is registered in the vehicle that can be transmitted to auto makers. At a State House of Representative hearing this week, Representative David Gomberg spoke about a bill that was recently proposed to regulate data collection. The bill is House Bill 3875. Gomberg said “We’re beginning to understand that cars are a privacy nightmare. Our cars know whether we prefer Starbucks or Dutch Brothers. Our cars know whether we worship on the weekend…” As the chief sponsor of the bill, Gomberg wanted his fellow representatives to understand the reality of this data collection and how truly personal it gets.
The bill is currently being discussed in the Oregon House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
The devices that modern vehicles have collect, hold, and then share the data with automakers, who then use the data for marketing research and have the potential to sell it. This is often all done with little to know knowledge or realization on the driver’s part. The bill he proposes, House Bill 3875, would go based on the current privacy laws in place in Oregon and merely add car manufacturers to the regulations.
Specifically, it would expand the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act, which is fairly new itself. This law went into effect in Oregon just last year and it set a precedent for data protection in the state. It established rules for companies that have the ability to collect data on at least 100,000 citizens of Oregon. It also requires that the businesses give consumers the ability to view, edit, and delete any personal data information that is recorded.
Under the current law, major auto makers are held responsible for their data collection.
However, smaller companies that tend to be more experimental with their technology, are not. This is where House Bill 3875 comes in as it would specify auto manufacturers in the law. The bill lays out that passenger car manufacturers would have to get consent from the car buyers/drivers prior to having the ability to use, share, or sell the collected data.
Critics argue that the bill holds smaller auto makers to a harsher standard than other small businesses that have data collection abilities. At this point, it is unclear what direction Oregon’s lawmakers will ultimately go as their discussions of the bill are still in the early stages.
