Fulcher’s Bill to Inform Consumers of Spy Appliances Passes House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Christianné Allen, Christianne.Allen@mail.house.gov CONTACT : Marisa Melton, Marisa.Melton@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the House passed his legislation, H.R. 859, the Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act: “Consumers have a right to know if their internet-connected ‘smart’ appliance is recording them unknowingly,” said Congressman Fulcher. “In an age of increasing connectivity, my bill, H.R. 859, will provide that much-needed transparency by requiring manufacturers to clearly communicate to customers whether their product transmits photographed, filmed, or recorded data. I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Seth Moulton, for co-leading this bipartisan effort, and I look forward to delivering this bill to President Trump’s desk.” The bipartisan bill, which was co-led by Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts), would require manufacturers of internet-connected smart appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers to disclose to consumers when their product is equipped with a camera or microphone that is not otherwise self-evident. The legislation would not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone. The Senate companion of this bill was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah). It was favorably reported out of the Senate Commerce Committee in March. ###