Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2050

Introduced
1/26/22  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding data rights in Hawaii. By establishing a constitutional guarantee for data ownership, individuals would gain greater control over their personal information and its usage by corporations and third parties. The amendment would empower the legislature to determine specific types of data that fall under this provision and the enforcement mechanisms required to uphold these rights, potentially leading to more robust privacy protections at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 2050 proposes an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution aimed at granting individuals the exclusive right to own the data they generate online. This initiative highlights the growing recognition of personal data as a valuable asset in the digital age, asserting that everyone should have property rights over their own data, especially as it pertains to public information systems and the internet. The proposal stands as a direct response to the increasing concerns surrounding privacy and data security in an era dominated by digital transactions and information sharing.

Contention

While proponents argue that this amendment is essential for safeguarding individual rights in a digitized society, opponents may raise concerns about the practical implications of enforcing such rights, including the possible impact on businesses that rely on data collection. As the legislature would have the authority to delineate the parameters for data ownership, there could be contention surrounding what constitutes ownership versus the free flow of information, especially in an age where data sharing is an integral part of consumer technology.

Discussion

This bill suggests a progressive step towards enhancing internet privacy and recognizing personal data as property. However, the underlying complexities related to its enforcement and the potential limitations it may impose on businesses and the technology sector invite a much-needed discussion about finding a balance between individual rights and commercial interests.

Companion Bills

HI SB2744

Same As Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

Similar Bills

CA SB929

Special districts: Internet Web sites.

CA SB345

Law enforcement agencies: public records.

CA AB392

Pornographic internet websites: consent.

HI SB2744

Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

HI SB170

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

HI SB21

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

HI SB21

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

CA AB1491

Public records: exception to disclosure: public officials.