Privacy in the private sector: use of the automotive industry's "event data recorder" and cable industry's "interactive television" in collecting personal data.

Rutgers Computer & Technology Law Journal, March, 2003 by David M. Katz

I. INTRODUCTION

While the mention of the term "Big Brother" typically arouses suspicion of the government, many privacy advocates have been expressing concern over the private sector's access to and use of valuable personal information. One example of this possible encroachment upon privacy rights occurs within the automotive industry, specifically the use of "Event Data Recorders" ("EDR") in vehicles. These devices, akin to the "black boxes" of the aviation industry, record the vital statistics of an automobile's operation in five-second loops, thereby saving the final five seconds prior to impact. (1) Some of the notable data recorded include airbag deployment, seatbelt use, speed prior to impact, acceleration or deceleration, and braking. (2)

Another...