**House Passes Bill Ensuring Transparency for Smart Device Buyers**

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14 days ago - Politics

House Passes New Bill to Protect Consumers from Smart Device Secrets

In a recent vote, the House of Representatives passed a new law aimed at keeping consumers safe when purchasing smart devices. This law will require companies that make internet-connected devices—like smart home gadgets—to clearly inform buyers whether their products have cameras or microphones.

The law is designed to help people feel more secure in their homes by ensuring that they know what kind of technology they are bringing into their lives. Under this new rule, if a company fails to disclose whether their device can record sounds or video, they could face penalties from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will treat these violations as unfair business practices, meaning companies must be honest about their products or face consequences.

The bill covers devices that can connect to the internet and might have recording features, but it doesn’t include things like mobile phones or tablets, because people generally expect those devices to have cameras and microphones.

It’s important to note that companies will have a little time—180 days after the law's guidance is released—to make these changes and comply with the new requirements.

By passing this bill, lawmakers are taking a step towards clearer information for consumers, giving people the right to know what they are buying and ensuring their privacy is respected. This law marks a significant move towards safer homes and more informed choices when it comes to technology.

This is a bill that requires companies to clearly tell consumers if their internet-connected devices have a camera or microphone before people buy them.

Key Points:

  • Companies must inform buyers if a device has a camera or microphone.
  • This information must be easy to see and understand before the purchase.
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce this rule. If companies do not follow it, they could face penalties.
  • The FTC has 180 days to provide guidance to help companies understand how to comply with this bill.

Definitions:

  • "Covered device" means any product that connects to the internet and has a camera or microphone. It does not include devices like regular phones, laptops, or any items marketed specifically as cameras or microphones.

Effective Date:

  • This bill will apply to all covered devices made 180 days after the FTC gives guidance, not affecting devices made before that.
424 votes

Yes

415

No

9

Not Voting

8

  1. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  2. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109).
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  3. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109).
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  4. Considered as unfinished business.
  5. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.
  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666: 1; text: CR H1666-1667)
  8. Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  9. Reported in House

    This is a bill that requires companies to clearly tell consumers if their internet-connected devices have a camera or microphone before people buy them.

    Key Points:

    • Companies must inform buyers if a device has a camera or microphone.
    • This information must be easy to see and understand before the purchase.
    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce this rule. If companies do not follow it, they could face penalties.
    • The FTC has 180 days to provide guidance to help companies understand how to comply with this bill.

    Definitions:

    • "Covered device" means any product that connects to the internet and has a camera or microphone. It does not include devices like regular phones, laptops, or any items marketed specifically as cameras or microphones.

    Effective Date:

    • This bill will apply to all covered devices made 180 days after the FTC gives guidance, not affecting devices made before that.
  10. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
  11. Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
  12. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
  13. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  14. Introduced in House

    This is a bill that requires companies to tell you if their internet-connected devices have a camera or recording capability.

    1. Companies must clearly say, before you buy, if their device has a camera or microphone.

    2. The government will check if companies follow this rule. If they don’t, they can face penalties like fines.

    3. This law will help protect your privacy by making it easier for you to know if your devices can record you.

    4. This rule applies to new devices made 180 days after the government gives guidance on how to share this information.

    5. Devices like regular phones, laptops, or tablets don’t have to follow this rule because you already expect them to have cameras or microphones.

  15. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  16. Introduced in House