Rosendale Introduces Driver Data Control Act

U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale (MT-02) introduced the Driver Data Control Act, which will give car owners the right to control their vehicle’s motor vehicle event data recorder or “black box” data.

Unbeknownst to most people, automobiles manufactured since 2011 are equipped with black boxes. This is a result of a federal mandate. These devices record most of the functions of the motor vehicle, including speed, braking and seatbelt usage.

In this age of digitalization and surveillance, it is extremely important that Americans retain the rights to the data they produce. This legislation will ensure that the data on a vehicle’s black box may not be retrieved or used by any person other than the owner of the motor vehicle without the written consent of the owner.

“American’s right to privacy should not be limited simply because of advances in technology,” Rosendale said. “Although I am disturbed that Congress would mandate such a device to be placed in your automobile without your consent, that train has left the station. My bill will put Americans back in the driver’s seat when it comes to having control over their own car’s data.”