By mkbhatia
Monday, Oct 3rd, 2005 @ 5:08 pm

A growing number of U.S. states are grappling with the privacy dilemma created by automobile “black boxes.” At least two-thirds of new vehicles come equipped with event data recorders — “black boxes” that can tell tales even after a car has been totaled. The recorders track speed, engine revolutions, braking and seat belt usage and other data in the moments before and after impact. While the technology allows manufacturers to improve safety and experts to reconstruct accidents, some see an Orwellian downside to the growing technology. Last year, California became the first state to pass a law governing how black box data can be used. Arkansas, Nevada, New York, North Dakota and Texas followed. This year, 15 states have considered black box legislation. Most of the bills seek to ensure that consumers control access to the data, rather than insurance companies, automakers or the government. (Photo courtesy of Wrecked Exotics.)

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