Online Communications and Geolocation Protection Act

Bill: 114-hr-656
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Introduced: 2015-02-02
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Civil actions and liability

Computers and information technology

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Criminal justice information and records

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Evidence and witnesses

Legal fees and court costs

Right of privacy

Telephone and wireless communication
Latest action: action_date: 2015-03-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

Summaries:
action_date: 2015-02-02
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Online Communications and Geolocation Protection Act</b></p> <p> Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a governmental entity to require the disclosure of the contents of any wire or electronic communication that is stored, held, or maintained by an electronic communication service or a remote computing service only pursuant to a warrant. Requires such entity, within three days after it receives such contents from a provider of such service, to serve upon or deliver to the service subscriber, customer, or user a copy of the warrant and required notice. Includes the contents of such a communication among the information that any such service provider shall not knowingly divulge to any governmental entity except as provided under current law. </p> <p>Prohibits a governmental entity from intentionally intercepting geolocation information pertaining to an individual, or from intentionally disclosing or using such information knowing that it was obtained in violation of existing prohibitions, except: (1) for purposes of electronic surveillance authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA); (2) with the consent of the individual to whom the information pertains or the parent or guardian of a child to whom the information pertains; (3) through any system that is configured so that such information is readily accessible to the general public; (4) by an emergency responder to respond to a request by such individual for assistance or in circumstances in which it is reasonable to believe that individual's life or safety is in jeopardy; (5) pursuant to a warrant issued by a court in accordance with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or as otherwise provided in FISA; or (6) by an investigative or law enforcement officer specially designated to intercept or use geolocation information if such officer reasonably determines that an emergency situation (involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual or conspiratorial activities that threaten the national security interest or that are characteristic of organized crime) exists and requires interception or use before an authorizing order can be obtained, there are grounds upon which such an order could be entered, and an application for such order is made within 48 hours after the interception or use occurs.</p> <p>Prohibits a service provider from intentionally disclosing geolocation information pertaining to an individual to any governmental entity, except: (1) pursuant to the above exceptions, or (2) to disclose to a law enforcement agency information which was inadvertently obtained and which appears to pertain to the commission of a crime.</p> <p>Prohibits the use of any geolocation information intercepted, used, or disclosed in violation of this Act as evidence in any trial, hearing, or other government proceeding, except in a civil action to obtain relief for a violation of this Act. </p> <p>Authorizes civil actions to recover damages from persons, other than the United States, where an individual's geolocation information is intentionally disclosed or used in violation of this Act. Requires a federal agency to initiate proceedings to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against any federal employee when a court or agency has determined that the United States has violated this Act.</p> <p>Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a search warrant to obtain geolocation information.</p> <p>Prohibits obtaining the geolocation information of a person for protective activities or law enforcement or intelligence purposes except pursuant to a warrant issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, this Act, or FISA.</p>

tv_txt: I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 656 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 2, 2015 Ms. Lofgren (for herself, Mr. Poe of Texas , Ms. DelBene , Mr. Sensenbrenner , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Farenthold , Mr. Polis , Mr. Massie , Mr. Swalwell of California , and Mr. O’Rourke ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary , and in addition to the Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select) , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to disclosures to governments by communications-related service providers of certain information consisting of or relating to communications, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Online Communications and Geolocation Protection Act . 2. Warrant required for contents of communications (a) Compelled disclosure of communication contents (1) In general Section 2703 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) by striking in Electronic Storage in the subsection header; (ii) by inserting or remote computing service in the first sentence after electronic communication service ; (iii) by striking that is in electronic storage in an electronic communications system for one hundred and eighty days or less, and inserting that is stored, held, or maintained by that service, ; and (iv) by striking the final sentence and inserting Within three days after a governmental entity receives such contents from a service provider pursuant to this subsection, the governmental entity shall serve upon, or deliver by registered or first-class mail, or other means reasonably calculated to be effective as specified by the court issuing the warrant to the subscriber, customer, or user a copy of the warrant and a notice that includes the information referenced in section 2705(a)(4)(A) and (B)(i), except that delayed notice may be provided pursuant to section 2705 of this title. ; and (B) by striking subsection (b). (2) Conforming amendment Section 2703(d) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking (b) or . (b) Voluntary disclosure of communication contents (1) In general Section 2702(a)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) by inserting to any governmental entity the contents of communication covered by subsection (a) of section 2703 or any after divulge ; (B) by inserting or user after customer ; and (C) by striking (not including the contents of communications covered by paragraph (1) or (2)) . (2) Conforming amendments Section 2705 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1)— (i) in the subsection heading, by striking 2703(b) and inserting 2703(a) ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking court order each place it appears and inserting warrant ; (iii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2703(b) and inserting 2703(a) ; and (iv) by striking subparagraph (B); (B) by striking subsection (a)(3); (C) in subsection (a)(4), by striking or by certification by a governmental entity, but only in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. ; (D) in subsection (a)(5)— (i) by inserting after first-class mail, the following: or other means reasonably calculated to be effective as specified by the court issuing the warrant ; (ii) by striking the process or request and replacing it with warrant ; and (iii) in subsection (5)(A)(iii), by striking governmental entity or and certification or ; (E) by striking subsection (a)(6); and (F) in subsection (b)— (i) by striking when it is not required to notify the subscriber or customer under section 2703(b)(1), or ; and (ii) by striking subpoena or court order each place it appears. 3. Geolocation information protection (a) In general (1) In general Part 1 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 119 the following: 120 Geolocation information Sec. 2601. Definitions. 2602. Interception and disclosure of geolocation information. 2603. Prohibition on disclosing geolocation information to governmental entities. 2604. Prohibition of use of unlawfully obtained geolocation information as evidence. 2605. Recovery of civil damages and administrative discipline authorized. 2601. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Electronic communication service The term electronic communication service has the meaning given that term in section 2510. (2) Electronic surveillance The term electronic surveillance has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 ( 50 U.S.C. 1801 ). (3) Geolocation information The term geolocation information means, with respect to an individual, any information that is not the content of a communication, concerning the location of a wireless communication device or tracking device (as that term is defined section 3117) that, in whole or in part, is generated by or derived from the operation of that device and that could be used to determine or infer information regarding the present, prospective, or historical location of the individual. (4) Geolocation information service The term geolocation information service means a service that generates or uses geolocation information for the provision of a mapping, locational, or directional information service to the public, or to such class of users as to be effectively available to the public, by or through the operation of any wireless communication device. (5) Governmental entity The term governmental entity means any employee or agent of the United States, or any State or political subdivision thereof. (6) Intercept The term intercept means the acquisition of geolocation information through the use of any electronic, mechanical, or other device. (7) Investigative or law enforcement officer The term investigative or law enforcement officer means any officer of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof, who is empowered by law to conduct investigations of, or to make arrests for, offenses enumerated in this chapter, and any attorney authorized by law to prosecute or participate in the prosecution of such offenses. (8) Remote computing service The term remote computing service has the meaning given that term in section 2711. (9) State The term State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States. (10) Wireless communication device The term wireless communication device means any device that enables access to, or use of, an electronic communication system or service, remote computing service, or geolocation information service, if that device utilizes a radio signal or other wireless connection to access or use such system or service, including any mobile telephone, global positioning system receiving device, mobile computer, or other similar or successor device. (11) Covered service The term covered services means electronic communication service, remote computing service, or geolocation information service. 2602. Interception and disclosure of geolocation information (a) In general Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any governmental entity to— (1) intentionally intercept, endeavor to intercept, or direct any person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, geolocation information pertaining to an individual; (2) intentionally disclose, or endeavor to disclose, or direct any person to disclose or endeavor to disclose geolocation information pertaining to an individual, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained in violation of this subsection; or (3) intentionally use, or endeavor to use, any geolocation information, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained in violation of this subsection. (b) Exception for conducting foreign intelligence surveillance Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall not be unlawful for an officer, employee, or agent of the United States in the normal course of the official duty of the officer, employee, or agent to conduct electronic surveillance, as authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 ( 50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. ). (c) Exception for consent (1) In general It shall not be unlawful under this chapter for a governmental entity to intercept, use, or disclose geolocation information pertaining to an individual if that individual has given prior consent to that governmental entity for such interception, use or disclosure. (2) Children A parent or legal guardian of a child may consent on behalf of a child for the purposes of paragraph (1). (d) Exception for public information It shall not be unlawful under this chapter for a governmental entity to intercept or access geolocation information pertaining to an individual through any system that is configured so that such information is readily accessible to the general public. (e) Exception for emergency assistance It shall not be unlawful under this chapter for any investigative or law enforcement officer or other emergency responder to intercept, access, use, or disclose geolocation information pertaining to an individual if such information is used— (1) to respond to a request made by such individual for assistance; or (2) to assist the individual in circumstances in which it is reasonable to believe that the life or safety of the individual is in jeopardy. (f) Exception for warrant (1) In general A governmental entity may intercept geolocation information or require the disclosure of geolocation information by a provider of covered services only pursuant to a warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction using the procedures described in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (or, in the case of a State court, issued using State warrant procedures), or as otherwise provided in this chapter or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 ( 50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. ). (2) Court of competent jurisdiction For the purposes of this subsection, the term court of competent jurisdiction includes— (A) any district court of the United States (including a magistrate judge of such a court) or any United States court of appeals that— (i) has jurisdiction over the offense being investigated; (ii) is in or for a district in which the provider of a geolocation information service is located or in which the geolocation information is stored; or (iii) is acting on a request for foreign assistance pursuant to section 3512 of this title; or (B) a court of general criminal jurisdiction of a State authorized by the law of that State to issue search warrants. (g) Emergency situation exception (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any investigative or law enforcement officer, specially designated by the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Associate Attorney General, or by the principal prosecuting attorney of any State or subdivision thereof acting pursuant to a statute of that State, may intercept or use geolocation information if— (A) such officer reasonably determines that an emergency situation exists that— (i) involves— (I) immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual; (II) conspiratorial activities threatening the national security interest; or (III) conspiratorial activities characteristic of organized crime; and (ii) requires geolocation information be intercepted or used before an order authorizing such interception or use can, with due diligence, be obtained; (B) there are grounds upon which an order could be entered to authorize such interception or use; and (C) an application for an order approving such interception or use is made within 48 hours after the interception or use has occurred or begins to occur. (2) Failure to obtain court order (A) Termination of acquisition In the absence of an order, an interception or use of geolocation information carried out under paragraph (1) shall immediately terminate when the information sought is obtained or when the application for the order is denied, whichever is earlier. (B) Prohibition on use as evidence In the event such application for approval is denied, the geolocation information shall be treated as having been obtained in violation of this chapter and an inventory shall be served on each individual who is reasonably able to be contacted and to whom any such geolocation information pertains. 2603. Prohibition on disclosing geolocation information to governmental entities (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), a person providing covered services shall not intentionally disclose to any governmental entity geolocation information pertaining to an individual. (b) Exceptions A person providing covered services may disclose geolocation information— (1) as otherwise authorized in subsections (b) through (g) of section 2602; (2) with the lawful consent of— (A) the individual to whom the geolocation information pertains; or (B) the parent or guardian of a child to whom the geolocation information pertains; (3) as permitted under section 222(d)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 222(d)(4) ); or (4) which was inadvertently obtained by the service provider and which appears to pertain to the commission of a crime, if such disclosure is made to a law enforcement agency. 2604. Prohibition of use of unlawfully obtained geolocation information as evidence If any geolocation information has been intercepted, used, or disclosed in violation of this chapter, no part of such information and no evidence derived therefrom may be received in evidence in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding in or before any court, grand jury, department, officer, agency, regulatory body, legislative committee, or other authority of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, except in a civil action to obtain relief for a violation of this chapter. 2605. Recovery of civil damages and administrative discipline authorized (a) In general Any individual whose geolocation information is intentionally disclosed or used in violation of this chapter may in a civil action recover such relief as may be appropriate from the person, other than the United States, which engaged in that violation. (b) Relief In an action under this section, appropriate relief includes— (1) such preliminary and other equitable or declaratory relief as the court may deem appropriate; (2) damages under subsection (c) and punitive damages as the court may deem appropriate; and (3) a reasonable attorney's fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. (c) Computation of damages The court may assess as damages under this section whichever is the greater of— (1) the sum of the actual damages suffered by the plaintiff; or (2) statutory damages of whichever is the greater of $100 a day for each day of violation or $10,000. (d) Defense It is a defense against any civil action to obtain relief for a violation of this chapter that the defendant acted in a good faith reliance on— (1) a warrant or court order, grand jury subpoena, legislative authorization, or statutory authorization; or (2) a reasonable determination that an exception under section 2602 permitted the conduct complained of. (e) Limitation A civil action under this section may not be commenced later than two years after the date upon which the claimant first has a reasonable opportunity to discover the violation. (f) Administrative discipline If a court or appropriate department or agency determines that the United States or any of its departments or agencies has violated any provision of this chapter, and the court or appropriate department or agency finds that the circumstances surrounding the violation raise serious questions about whether or not an officer or employee of the United States acted willfully or intentionally with respect to the violation, the department or agency shall, upon receipt of a true and correct copy of the decision and findings of the court or appropriate department or agency promptly initiate a proceeding to determine whether disciplinary action against the officer or employee is warranted. If the head of the department or agency involved determines that disciplinary action is not warranted, such head shall notify the Inspector General with jurisdiction over the department or agency concerned and shall provide the Inspector General with the reasons for such determination. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of chapters for part 1 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 119 the following: 120. Geolocation information 2601 . (3) Conforming amendments Section 3512(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) a warrant or order for geolocation information or records related thereto, as provided under section 2602 of this title; . (b) Requirement for search warrants To obtain geolocation information Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking the period at the end and inserting a comma and including geolocation information. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (F) Geolocation information has the meaning given that term in section 2601 of title 18, United States Code. . (c) Statement of exclusive means of obtaining geolocation information (1) In general No person may obtain the geolocation information of a person for protective activities or law enforcement or intelligence purposes except pursuant to a warrant issued pursuant to rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, as amended by subsection (b), or the amendments made by this section, or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 ( 50 U.S.C. 1801 ). (2) Geolocation information defined In this subsection, the term geolocation information has the meaning given that term in section 2601 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).