Prohibit sale of electronic data to the federal government
If enacted, SB 453 would significantly alter existing regulations around electronic data, reinforcing the rights of individuals regarding their digital property. This legislation will provide individuals with a legal framework to assert ownership and control over their personal data, potentially deterring unauthorized sales or disclosures. The bill restricts the disclosure of electronic data to federal authorities unless there is a valid subpoena or a legal requirement, thus safeguarding personal information against federal governmental overreach.
Senate Bill 453, titled the 'Electronic Data Ownership Act,' aims to establish personal ownership rights over electronic data. The bill stipulates that individuals possess their electronic data, which is deemed non-descendible in intestate succession. This means upon an individual's death, their electronic data must be deleted unless they have specified another person to inherit it. The bill emphasizes that those who hold electronic data for others must do so in trust, underlining the owner's ultimate control over their data. Additionally, the sale of such data to third parties, including the federal government, requires explicit consent from the data owner.
The sentiment surrounding SB 453 appears to be largely supportive among privacy advocacy groups, who see it as a positive step towards ensuring personal rights over electronic data. However, there may be concerns among certain sectors that rely on digital data for operational purposes, particularly regarding compliance with federal requests. The bill's focus on individual consent is generally applauded, but discussions imply a need for deeper examination of how it might interact with existing federal regulations governing data transmission and ownership.
Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between personal data ownership and the needs of governmental entities, especially in terms of law enforcement and national security. Some critics argue that stringent restrictions on data disclosure could hinder criminal investigations or public safety operations by preventing timely access to critical information. Additionally, the provisions against contracts of adhesion—where individuals might be forced to forfeit or diminish their data rights—are seen as necessary protections but raise questions about how existing business practices will adapt to these new requirements.