A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Car Privacy Rights Act of 2026. It aims to stop car makers and other companies from selling your personal car-related data without your clear permission. The bill sets strict rules on what data companies can collect and share about you and your vehicle. It gives everyday people the right to see their data, revoke consent, and sue companies that break the rules. Companies also have to submit regular privacy practice reports to the Federal Trade Commission. Finally, the bill orders federal agencies to create rules addressing domestic violence risks tied to car location apps.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +9
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The legislation comprehensively protects individuals from unwarranted tracking and data sharing by car manufacturers and third-party applications.
- Scored +9
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill places strict limits on the collection, processing, and sale of precise geolocation and consumer car-related data, granting individuals enhanced control over their personal information.
- Scored +8
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill establishes robust privacy protections, restricting the unauthorized sharing and selling of consumer car-related data and empowering consumers to sue violators.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Stops the sale of location tracking: Under section 4(e), it is completely unlawful for a covered entity to share or sell any data relating to a precise geolocation. This protects your right to privacy by keeping your daily movements out of the hands of data brokers.
-
Requires your actual permission: Section 4(a) makes it illegal for companies to share or sell your car data unless they provide a clear notice and you give affirmative express consent. This puts you in control instead of locking you into sneaky broad terms of service.
-
Protects you from retaliation: Under section 4(c), companies cannot deny you service, charge you different prices, or provide a lower quality good or service just because you refused or revoked your consent to share your data.
-
Gives you the right to sue: Section 8(c) allows you to bring a civil action in court against a company that violates the law, where you can be awarded at least $5,000 per violation or actual damages, plus attorney fees.
-
Tackles dangerous stalking tools: Section 7 requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue guidance and regulations on how car manufacturers can address domestic violence issues related to car apps that track precise geolocation.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — The bill mandates specific guidance and regulations to address domestic violence risks tied to vehicle apps capable of precise geolocation tracking. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged vehicle owners benefit from restrictions on the unauthorized collection, monetization, and tracking of their car-related data. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill requires data privacy notices and disclosures to be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees gain robust privacy safeguards and explicit control over their vehicle-generated data. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors are better protected against deceptive data collection practices tied to modern connected vehicles. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults, who heavily utilize connected vehicle technologies and smartphone apps, gain stronger legal tools to protect their personal data. Would children be better off under this? — Enhanced vehicle data privacy and safety protections indirectly benefit children and families by safeguarding their daily movements and location security. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income consumers are protected from retaliatory pricing or denial of services for withholding consent regarding data sharing. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class households gain clear transparency and explicit consent requirements regarding the commercial use of their vehicle data. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural residents who rely on personal vehicles frequently are protected from unauthorized tracking and data harvesting by automotive entities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban vehicle owners benefit from strict prohibitions against the sale or sharing of precise geolocation tracking data.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The legislation comprehensively protects individuals from unwarranted tracking and data sharing by car manufacturers and third-party applications. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Covered entities are required to submit regular compliance and privacy practice reports to the Federal Trade Commission, which are subsequently made publicly available. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general over consumer data privacy practices.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill places strict limits on the collection, processing, and sale of precise geolocation and consumer car-related data, granting individuals enhanced control over their personal information.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill establishes robust privacy protections, restricting the unauthorized sharing and selling of consumer car-related data and empowering consumers to sue violators.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts