Many people are still unaware that nearly all new cars contain a "black box" computer that records data on the operation of you car. In the event of an accident, the "black box" will show such information as speed, acceleration, braking and air bag deployment for the 30 seconds preceding an accident. For an example a read-out of the information contained in a car's "black box", click on the image at left.
For a number of years, car manufacturers and insurance companies have been downloading this information, many times without the knowledge of car owners.
But the North Dakota Legislature has stepped up with a much needed new law that requires car dealers and rental car companies to disclose the presence of these "black boxes," and declared that the information contained in them is the property of the car owner who has control over its dissemination, subject to disclosure by court order . For a look at the statute, CLICK HERE.
By passing this legislation, the North Dakota Legislature has preserved both privacy from unauthorized corporate spying, and the owners' property interests in the vehicles which they have purchased.
Hoosier car owners deserve this same type of protection. Here's hoping that the Indiana General Assembly takes note and enacts a similar statute.
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