Bill 118 hr 4471, also known as the Speech Privacy Act of 2023, aims to protect the privacy of individuals' speech by prohibiting the collection and storage of audio recordings of conversations without consent. The bill specifically targets companies and organizations that use smart devices, such as smart speakers and virtual assistants, to record and store conversations for various purposes.
Under the provisions of the bill, companies must obtain explicit consent from individuals before recording and storing their conversations. This consent must be given in writing or through a clear verbal agreement. Additionally, companies must provide individuals with the option to easily delete any recorded conversations at their request.
The bill also includes provisions for enforcement and penalties for non-compliance. Companies found to be in violation of the Speech Privacy Act may face fines and other penalties, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.
Overall, the Speech Privacy Act of 2023 seeks to protect individuals' privacy rights in the digital age by ensuring that their conversations are not recorded and stored without their knowledge and consent.