Bill Would Require Notice If Viewers Are Watched

摘要

Rep. Michael Capuano (D., Mass.) and Walter Jones (R., N.C.) have introduced a bill to require video service providers to continuously stream an on-screen message stating, "We are watching you," if it collects images or sounds from within the viewers' home or premises. The bill would also require video providers to allow viewers to opt out of such data collection by mandating that they offer a version of their service that "does not involve the collection of such information but is otherwise identical in all respects." The proposed We Are Watching You Act was inspired by "patent applications for devices that would collect personal information about consumers while they are watching television in order to target advertising," according to a press release from Rep. Jones's office. "The new technology would watch and listen to consumers with a camera and microphone, determine age and gender, note thermal image, and include facial recognition capabilities."