So-called "big data" is getting scary!
Data powers the personalized conveniences we've all come to expect in life.
But, the cost of those conveniences is the irresistible potential for the government to track and profile you, and exploit your personal information without your knowledge or consent
Data about you is bought and sold on the open market, begging the question: Is it a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights when the government purchases it?
This week lawmakers are considering a bill that protects your privacy and another that chips away at it.
Here are two action items this week which take less than 20 seconds each to stand up for privacy in Colorado!
SB26-051
At its core, SB26-051 is about forcing age verification at the device level instead of just on individual websites or apps.
Even for adults, setting up any new device will require an age disclosure, then your phone or computer would become the central gatekeeper of your age identity, and apps would be required to check it.
Then, that "age signal" tied to your device's apps categorizes you into an age bracket, continuing to transmit usage data whenever you open and use them.
If passed, Colorado would effectively mandate a shared data pipeline between your device and private companies.
Contact the members of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today and tell them you oppose this bill!
HB26-1037
HB26-1037 is about closing a loophole which allows Colorado government to obtain your personal data without a warrant... by purchasing it.
That's right. Your location data, browsing behavior, and personal information can currently be purchased and reviewed by government agencies
The bill will prohibit government agencies from purchasing personal data from third-party data brokers, reinforcing that sensitive personal information should be treated as protected under principles similar to the Fourth Amendment.
Law enforcement and government entities would be forced to demonstrate probable cause before accessing sensitive data and go through proper legal channels (like warrants or court orders) to access private data.
This bill will be heard Wednesday, April 22nd in the House Judiciary Committee, so please reach out ASAP and let them know they should pass this bill!
Thanks for taking the time to be involved, engaged and for paying attention to the below-the-fold legislation.
These bills might not be as interesting as all the Congressional resignations this week, but they have a real impact on our freedoms and liberties here in Colorado.
For Freedom,
Colorado Freedom Force
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