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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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REP. ATKINS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PRIVACY OF WIRELESS USERS
(SAINT PAUL) — Today Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights) introduced HF 1700, legislation prohibiting the tracking of individuals using wireless devices unless the owner of the device has given written permission. The issue of wireless privacy has received increased attention with the news that Apple iPhones were storing user location data over long periods of time.
The bill introduced by Rep. Atkins has bipartisan support, with Reps. Matt Dean (R – Dellwood), Mary Liz Holberg (R – Lakeville), Joe Hoppe (R – Chaska) and Sheldon Johnson (DFL – St. Paul) as co-authors.
“Wireless consumers deserve to know that their privacy is not being compromised by cell phone providers or applications downloaded to their phones," Rep. Atkins said. “This bill will protect the privacy of Minnesotans, while allowing those who wish to participate in location-based services offered by cell phone companies the opportunity to do so. In our 21st-century world where nearly everyone has a mobile device, maintaining user privacy is of the utmost importance.”
"Consumers should have the ability to opt in to a scenario when their every movement is being tracked and stored,” Rep. Johnson said. “People subscribe to cell phone providers for communication needs, not to have Big Brother follow them. This is a consumer-friendly bill that gives regular people peace of mind."
The bill contains an exception in cases of missing children or people, similar to the “Kelsey Smith Act” signed into law in Minnesota last year. That law requires cell phone companies to turn over tracking data to law enforcement officials, or allows law enforcement to request a wireless company to "ping" a cell phone in real time, enabling a cell phone to be located when a person is missing or thought to be in danger.
"Federal officials, particularly Senator Franken, have done an excellent job of calling attention to the threats to the privacy of wireless users," said Rep. Atkins. "Until they are able to adopt a federal law, however, it is important for Minnesota legislators to take steps to protect Minnesota consumers."
The bill has been referred to the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee.
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