Restrictions on GPS Data Use Considered in Congress

A bill that would limit the ability of law enforcement agencies to track the location of personal mobile devices was introduced last week and is moving along the legislative process on Capitol Hill.

The proposed Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act (GPS Act H.R. 2168), sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), is currently being reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The bill provides some clarity for police and other law enforcement officials about when geolocation data can be used and accessed. In addition, the legislation would also give telecommunications companies guidance on whether they can share customer geolocation data.