Massachusetts House Bill H86

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

To protect location privacy

Impact

The bill's implications are far-reaching as it impacts how businesses and service providers manage consumer location data. Covered entities must provide a clear Location Privacy Policy that outlines their data practices and must not monetize location information. Additionally, individuals whose rights are violated under this chapter can pursue civil actions against entities, emphasizing the protection of consumer rights. This adds layers of accountability for companies that collect location data, aiming to enhance consumer trust in how their personal information is handled.

Summary

House Bill 86, an act aimed at protecting location privacy, introduces significant amendments to the General Laws of Massachusetts by creating Chapter 93L, which establishes privacy protections for location information derived from electronic devices. This bill ensures that entities collecting an individual's location information must obtain explicit consent from the individual and outlines what constitutes permissible purposes for the data collection. Certain exceptions apply, such as compliance with federal or state laws and emergency situations. This stringent consent requirement establishes a new standard in data protection specific to location data.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 86 may arise from concerns among businesses about the burdensome requirements for data collection and processing. Some may argue that the stringent consent processes could hinder operational efficiency, especially for tech companies that rely on location data for targeted services. On the other hand, privacy advocates may laud the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring data security and respecting individual privacy rights. Balancing these interests will be crucial as the bill moves forward through the legislative process.