The Massachusetts House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation to protect the privacy rights of drivers across the Commonwealth, State Representative John Quinn announced today.

Car owners currently are not informed that cars are sold with event data recorders, commonly referred to as “black boxes.” These devices regularly record information about vehicle speed, steering performance, seat belt and air bag status, and brake deployment. Insurance companies, auto manufacturers, and other interested third parties can access this data after an accident.

“People are surprised to find out that their own cars are recording data without their knowledge,” said Rep. Quinn . “This bill ensures proper disclosure of the presence and capabilities of black boxes in all vehicles.”

In addition to requiring auto manufacturers and dealers to notify buyers that their cars come equipped with black boxes, the bill ensures that vehicle owners also have ownership of the information recorded by the black box. Non-owners, such as insurance companies or auto manufacturers, could only access the data with the owner’s consent or under certain limited circumstances, such as pursuant to a lawful court order.

“It is really troubling that people can own a car without owning the information that is in the car,” said Quinn. “The House has taken action to ensure that drivers have knowledge, ownership and control of the information recorded by their vehicles.”

The bill must be acted on by the Senate before it can be sent to the Governor for his signature.