Bill · S. 3494· Senate(119-S-3494)
Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act
- Introduced
- 12/16/2025
- Last activity
- 12/16/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Lee
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act. It stops vehicle makers from accessing, selling, or sharing a vehicle owner's data without written consent. Manufacturers must give vehicle owners free, real-time access to and control over their vehicle data. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these rules as unfair or deceptive trade practices. The bill also bans sharing the personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens and residents with specific foreign countries like China and Russia. Finally, it requires a comprehensive report on vehicle data practices within 180 days of enactment.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+9
The bill heavily safeguards vehicle owners by requiring written consent for data access and ensuring free real-time access to generated data.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+9
The core focus of the act is safeguarding personal privacy by granting individuals total control and ownership over vehicle-generated and user data.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+8
The bill provides strong consumer protections by restricting manufacturers from accessing, selling, or sharing vehicle data without explicit consent.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-4
The legislation explicitly supersedes state statutes and regulations concerning vehicle owner data access.
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Vehicle manufacturers and related corporate entities face strict new limitations and compliance burdens regarding data monetization.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Control Over Personal Data: Section 3(a)(1) prevents manufacturers from accessing a vehicle's data without the owner's written consent, unless it is strictly to improve vehicle performance or safety. This gives people real control over their private information.
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Free Real-Time Access: Section 4(a) requires vehicle makers to give owners access to and control of all vehicle data in real time and at no extra cost beyond the vehicle purchase price. This stops companies from charging extra fees just for people to see their own information.
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Protection from Foreign Access: Section 3(a)(3) bans companies from selling, licensing, or releasing the personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to countries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. This protects everyday Americans from having their data handed over to adversarial foreign governments.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Confidential Business Information Limits: Section 6 states that the bill does not require manufacturers to divulge confidential business information, except as provided in section 4. This could potentially limit how much transparency vehicle owners receive regarding proprietary software or systems.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Middle Class Households+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+9Increases Big Tech Regulation+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+9Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+5Increase States Rights-4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+8
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+7
- 12/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.