With the passage of SB1978, automobile dealers will be prohibited from coercively installing disablement technology as a condition of sale or financing. This stipulation could potentially reshape sales practices in the automotive industry within Illinois. The bill also stipulates that any data generated from the use of disablement technology is deemed the personal property of the consumer. This ensures that consumers maintain ownership of their data and receive any profits from its utilization, promoting a stronger framework for data privacy in consumer transactions.
Summary
SB1978, introduced by Senator Omar Aquino, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to address the use of disablement technology in vehicles. This bill defines 'disablement technology' as any instrument, device, or software used to prevent a vehicle from starting or being driven. It explicitly states that such technology cannot be used for vehicle repossession or as a penalty for nonpayment under retail installment contracts, thereby protecting consumers from malicious use of this technology. Moreover, the bill reinforces that any violations of this provision are considered unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for strengthening consumer rights and preventing abuses associated with disablement technology, there may be contention regarding its impact on lenders and auto dealers. Some stakeholders might argue that restricting disablement technology could limit options for financing vehicles or adhering to security protocols. Nonetheless, the protections offered to consumers against unfair practices are viewed as beneficial in the context of growing concerns about privacy and misuse of personal data.
House Substitute for SB 51 by Committee on Legislative Modernization - Authorizing the chief information security officer to receive audit reports, updating statutes related to services provided by the chief information technology officer and authorizing the office of information technology services to provide certain services to political subdivisions and hospitals.