Legislatures Consider Hacking Prevention Before the Revolution

Michigan's proposed life sentencing provision of its hacking bill, SB 927, reads like it is written for a legislative body freaked out by the prospect of hacking into a driverless vehicle to steal data or send it off for evil purposes. The bill proposes a life sentence - same as if you hack a family to death - for hacking into a motor vehicle. The life sentence is also included in SB 928. Considering that hacking into vehicles brings to mind fears of kidnapping and terrorism, this is not a surprise. 

Capital Hill Gets Friendlier

The US Congress is being more contemplative in its approach, though hacking is on its list of concerns. The Hill reports that a four-member bipartisan group of House members has formed the House Smart Transportation Caucus. Members with an interest in auto manufacturing and technology are on board. 

Together, the group will look at a wide range of new-age transportation tools, such as upcoming transit and parking technologies, alternative traffic and freight management systems, and “smart infrastructure,” or structures such as buildings and roads that are embedded with sensors to collect and analyze data. 

The members said they want to educate members on these cost-reducing and life-saving technologies and bring together those involved from the private sector and federal government.

Consumer groups, likely the ones trying to put the brakes on driverless altogether, are warning against quick Congressional action. 

On the other side of Capital Hill

On the Senate side, Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a state with a big stake in technology, has been active putting manufacturers' feet to the fire concerning protection of private data and against hacking. He authored a well-thought out report last year that made a good case that car companies and states have done little to protect consumers.