Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Key Points

• This bill requires companies to clearly tell you if a smart device—like a refrigerator, toaster, or thermostat—has a built-in camera or microphone before you buy it.
• It focuses on internet-connected products where a person might not expect to find recording equipment, helping to protect your privacy by making sure you know when a device can see or hear you.
• The rules do not apply to items like smartphones, laptops, or webcams, because most people already expect those specific devices to have cameras and microphones.
• The Federal Trade Commission will be in charge of making sure companies follow these rules and can punish businesses that try to hide this information from shoppers.
• If this becomes law, the new labels will start appearing on products manufactured about a year after the government finishes writing the specific instructions for companies.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.