Revises provisions relating to the disclosure of certain records stored on the Internet. (BDR 15-768)
Impact
If enacted, AB172 will significantly reshape the landscape of electronic communication privacy laws in Nevada. It refines the definitions related to electronic communications and remote computing services, bringing clarity to what constitutes a provider’s responsibilities and the types of services covered under the law. This change aligns state law with existing federal mandates while reinforcing user privacy by enforcing stricter confidentiality requirements on ISPs and remote computing service providers.
Summary
Assembly Bill 172, introduced by Assemblymember Hansen, seeks to amend provisions relating to the disclosure of records stored on the Internet by providers of Internet service. The bill expands the current framework that governs how such records are disclosed to include providers of remote computing services, thereby increasing the accountability of these providers in relation to the information they manage. By doing so, the bill establishes that these providers could face misdemeanor charges under certain conditions if they fail to comply with legal requests for information, such as subpoenas or court orders.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding AB172 include concerns from privacy advocates about the implications of increased governmental access to digital records. Critics argue that while the bill aims to protect user privacy by enforcing compliance with confidentiality, it simultaneously opens avenues for potential overreach where governmental entities may exploit these provisions. Supporters, however, contend that the bill is necessary to ensure that service providers are held accountable for safeguarding user information, particularly in an era where digital data is ubiquitous and vulnerable to misuse.