Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF943

Introduced
1/30/23  

Caption

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring prohibition of another in certain circumstances

Impact

If enacted, SF943 would significantly strengthen the privacy rights of individuals in Minnesota, setting clear legal boundaries around electronic surveillance. It defines strict conditions under which geolocation data can be accessed or shared, effectively curbing the use of surveillance software that operates without the subject's explicit permission. The bill aims to protect citizens from unsolicited data tracking, thus attempting to foster a greater level of trust in technology and its applications in daily life.

Summary

Senate File 943 (SF943) is a legislative measure that addresses issues of privacy and consent regarding geolocation tracking and smartphone monitoring. The bill prohibits individuals and entities from tracking the geolocation information of another person without that person's affirmative consent. It establishes requirements for smartphone applications that collect or share geolocation data, specifically mandating that such applications must clearly indicate their functions and require multifactor authentication during installation and usage to mitigate unauthorized access.

Contention

However, the bill may elicit debate regarding its implications for law enforcement and employers who rely on location tracking for legitimate purposes. Provisions allowing for exceptions in cases involving minors or under specific conditions related to law enforcement suggest an attempt to balance privacy concerns with the practical needs of various sectors. Critics may argue that stringent regulations could limit the efficacy of monitoring tools used in emergency responses or in business environments, thereby opening discussions on the balance between privacy rights and safety or operational efficacy.

Companion Bills

MN HF846

Similar To Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another prohibited in circumstances, cause of action provided to individuals when geolocation information and other smartphone data has been recorded or shared.

Previously Filed As

MN SF2912

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another prohibition in certain circumstances

MN HF846

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another prohibited in circumstances, cause of action provided to individuals when geolocation information and other smartphone data has been recorded or shared.

MN HF2313

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another person prohibited, and cause of action when violation has occurred provided.

MN AB3216

Pupils: use of smartphones.

MN AB235

Pupils: use of smartphones.

MN AB272

Pupils: use of smartphones.

MN SB4783

Smart Kids not Smartphones Act of 2024

MN SB00310

An Act Requiring Kill Switches For Smartphones.

MN SB00629

An Act Requiring Kill Switches For Smartphones.

MN SF2219

Historical horse racing prohibition

Similar Bills

MN HF846

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another prohibited in circumstances, cause of action provided to individuals when geolocation information and other smartphone data has been recorded or shared.

MN SF2912

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another prohibition in certain circumstances

MN HF2313

Geolocation and smartphone monitoring of another person prohibited, and cause of action when violation has occurred provided.

MA H1786

Modernizing the Massachusetts wiretap law

MA S1266

Updating the wiretap statutes in the commonwealth

MA S1128

Updating the wiretap statutes in the Commonwealth

CA AB962

Pupil safety: comprehensive school safety plans: use of smartphones.

CA SB1283

Pupils: use of social media.