The Black Box Privacy Protection Act.

The bill will protect motorcyclists’ rights by requiring manufacturers to prominently disclose to consumers if an event data recorder (commonly known as a black box) is installed on their motorcycle, the data collection capabilities of such a device, and how such data may be used. The bill clarifies that the owner of the motorcycle owns the data and it may not be accessed without the permission of the owner. Furthermore, this bill requires that manufacturers provide consumers with the option of controlling the recording function in automobiles or motorcycles manufactured in the future that are equipped with black boxes.

In other words, consumers would have the ability to turn the black box on or off.

Currently, no federal law exists that clarifies the rights of vehicle owners to ownership of the recorded data.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requiring black boxes in all cars manufactured after Sept. 1, 2014. The NHTSA already has disclosure requirements, but the Black Box Privacy Protection Act would make the disclosure more prominent and give consumers even greater choice and privacy protections.

The American Motorcyclist Association protects motorcyclists’ freedom to ride and we support this bipartisan bill. If you are concerned that your insurer will selectively use data from a black box recorder to increase your rates, or that recorded data may be used to target you in a civil or criminal proceeding, then you—the motorcyclist—should urge your representative to support the Black Box Privacy Protection Act.