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Sen. Ted Cruz asked legislators on Tuesday to back a bipartisan bill that would alert users when their electronic devices are keeping tabs on them.
Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act
Sen. Maria Cantwell, the highest-ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Transportation, and Science Committee, and Cruz spoke in support of the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, which they co-introduced.
The bill would call for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose a requirement that electronic devices disclose to consumers if they contain audio or video recording capabilities.
No American wants their refrigerator, trashcan, thermostat, or dishwasher spying on them.
The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act will ensure that companies clearly label their products informing Americans if there is a recording device installed on their appliances.
We… pic.twitter.com/60eLfQD9MN
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 11, 2023
The senator from Texas issued a privacy-invading alert about common home appliances like air fryers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Cruz stated his bipartisan legislation would ensure people know if a smart device they purchase for their residence will photograph or record them, so it does not occur without their knowledge.
Argument
Sen. Rand Paul argued that such an order would be expensive for manufacturers and presume that consumers are incapable of making their own decisions.
Cruz stated while he is inclined to agree with the contention that there are too many requirements from the government (and many of them are unwarranted, burdensome, and expensive), mandating that manufacturers disclose whether they are eavesdropping on you does not fall into this category.
Also, in weighing the minimal burden, the burden of disclosure, against the damage, Cruz is on the side of individual freedom. He supports personal privacy.
I’m confident the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act would pass on the Senate floor 99-1.
We should be protecting American’s privacy. pic.twitter.com/F83OY9r9MM
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 11, 2023
The Texas senator added that he believes Americans do not want their air fryers to listen in on them. At the very least, they have the right to know whether or not their air fryer is monitoring them.
Cruz noted his bill has significant support from both parties and predicted that, if brought to the floor for a vote, it would pass by a vote of 99 to 1.
This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.
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