Bill > SF2912

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for smartphone monitoring and geolocation tracking in Minnesota, aimed at protecting individuals' privacy. The legislation defines geolocation information as data generated by electronic communication devices that can identify a person's street and city location, and requires smartphone software and applications that allow tracking, text reading, or remote camera/microphone access to be prominently displayed and use two-factor authentication. The bill prohibits installing tracking software on another person's smartphone without consent, with specific exceptions for parents monitoring minor children, employers tracking company-provided devices, schools providing smartphones to students, and law enforcement acting with proper legal authorization. Individuals who have their geolocation information, texts, camera, or microphone data accessed without permission can pursue legal action, with potential damages including financial compensation for losses and mental anguish, as well as court costs and attorney fees. The bill provides detailed provisions for when geolocation tracking is permissible, such as emergency responses, device recovery, and situations involving immediate danger, while ensuring that service providers cannot randomly monitor users' data. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance personal privacy protections with legitimate uses of smartphone tracking technology.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2912&ssn=0&y=2025