Curtis bill would set federal disclosure guidelines for smart appliances

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) aims to protect consumer privacy through bipartisan, bicameral legislation he reintroduced that would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create disclosure guidelines for products people may not realize have audio or visual recording components, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers.

“This commonsense and bipartisan bill ensures consumers are aware of the recording capabilities of items they are putting in their homes, while also balancing flexibility for companies who are developing smart technologies,” said Rep. Curtis, who on Jan. 25 sponsored the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA).

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on the same day introduced the companion bill, S. 90, in their chamber. 

Rep. Curtis and his colleagues originally introduced the same bills, H.R. 4081/S. 5127, during the previous Congress. While his version received unanimous approval from the U.S. House of Representatives, it stalled in the U.S. Senate.

If enacted, the bill would require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“We should be allowed to make informed decisions about the electronic eavesdroppers we invite into our homes,” said Rep. Moulton. “Let’s pass this bill so consumers know when big tech is listening in.”

The measure has received support from a broad coalition of consumer advocacy groups and technology companies, according to Rep. Curtis’ office.