Relating to privacy of wireless telecommunications customer information; providing a civil penalty.
Impact
The bill entails significant implications for state laws governing telecommunications. If enacted, it will impose restrictions on providers of wireless services, ensuring that customer information remains confidential unless explicit consent is given for its use. Additionally, violations of these protections would result in civil penalties of $5,000 per customer affected. The Texas Attorney General is empowered under SB824 to enforce these penalties, enabling the state to take legal action against those who contravene these privacy provisions.
Summary
SB824, introduced in the Texas Legislature, seeks to enhance the privacy protections for wireless telecommunications customers by establishing clear regulations surrounding the use and disclosure of their information. This bill adds a new subchapter to the Utilities Code that specifically defines 'wireless telecommunications customer information', which includes sensitive details such as credit information, call records, and identifiers linked to customers of commercial mobile service providers. The language of the bill emphasizes the importance of obtaining customer consent before any such information can be sold, disclosed, or obtained, addressing growing concerns about privacy in the digital age.
Contention
While SB824 is designed to protect consumer privacy, it may also generate discussion on issues of enforcement and the balance of regulatory burdens on telecommunications providers. Critics might raise concerns over the feasibility of compliance for smaller providers who may lack the resources to navigate the complexities of the new regulations. Furthermore, the bill's definitions and stipulations around consent could lead to interpretations that affect customer relations and business operations in unforeseen ways, marking it as a point of contention among stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.
Relating to the capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.
Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.
Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.