Oregon's Senate Judiciary Committee is considering significant amendments to House Bill 2008, aimed at enhancing consumer privacy regarding location data. The proposed changes focus on allowing the use and transfer of non-sensitive location data with consumer consent while strictly prohibiting the sale of sensitive data. This move seeks to balance consumer protection with the needs of businesses that rely on location data for marketing and service delivery.

During the meeting, David Leduc, Vice President for Public Policy at the Network Advertising Initiative, expressed support for the bill's goals but raised concerns about its broad scope. He warned that the current draft could inadvertently limit essential services for Oregonians and create an uneven playing field favoring larger tech companies. Leduc emphasized that prohibiting all sales of precise location data could hinder the functionality of many apps, particularly those provided by smaller third-party developers, which rely on this data for critical operations.

The committee discussed the importance of defining "sensitive location data" clearly and ensuring robust consumer rights, including the ability to opt out and delete personal data. Leduc urged the committee to consider a more tailored approach that aligns with voluntary standards already in place within the industry, which could help protect consumer privacy without stifling innovation and access to free services.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for consumer privacy rights and the digital advertising landscape in Oregon. Stakeholders are hopeful for a solution that protects consumers while allowing businesses to thrive.