Senator Merkley Reintroduced Car Privacy Rights Act
The legislation seeks to limit how automakers collect and sell driver data to third parties.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Buying/Selling
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Senator Jeff Merkley has reintroduced the Car Privacy Rights Act to prevent automakers from selling consumer data without explicit consent. The proposed bill mandates that companies restrict data collection to essential services and allow drivers to opt out easily.
Why it matters
Automakers currently generate billions in annual profit by selling driver information, often without the knowledge of the vehicle owner. This legislation aims to establish national privacy standards to curb the unauthorized collection and monetization of precise geolocation data.
Automakers currently generate billions in annual revenue by selling vehicle data to third parties. The legislation mandates that firms submit annual privacy reports to the Federal Trade Commission to document their data handling practices.
The players
Jeff Merkley
He is a United States Senator representing the state of Oregon who is leading the reintroduction of the privacy legislation.
Ben Ray Luján
He is a United States Senator who serves as a cosponsor of the proposed vehicle data privacy legislation.
Elizabeth Warren
She is a United States Senator and cosponsor of the bill who focuses on consumer protection and corporate accountability.
Federal Trade Commission
This federal agency is the proposed oversight body that would receive mandatory annual data privacy reports from automakers.
American Civil Liberties Union
This non-profit organization works to protect individual rights and has officially endorsed the Car Privacy Rights Act.
The details
The Car Privacy Rights Act requires companies to obtain explicit consumer consent before sharing or selling data and forces the implementation of clear opt-out mechanisms via websites or apps. Additionally, the bill strictly prohibits the sale of precise geolocation information gathered from personal vehicles.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: Senator Jeff Merkley reintroduced the legislation in Washington, D.C.
Roadmap
This legislation reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry as vehicles become increasingly data-heavy connected devices. By challenging the current revenue model of selling driver behavior data, the bill forces manufacturers to reconsider how they balance product development with consumer privacy.
If enacted, this legislation would provide car owners with a direct tool to revoke consent for data collection through web-based portals or mobile apps. Drivers would gain the right to prevent the sale of their precise location history to insurance companies and other third parties.
The takeaway
Consumers should be aware that their vehicle currently collects and sells data that reveals their daily habits and location. This bill offers a path to reclaim control over that information, though it remains subject to the legislative process.
Further reading
For more information on current vehicle market regulations, see the Buying/Selling section.
More information
Read the Full text of the Car Privacy Rights Act for complete legislative details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gorgenewscenter.
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