New Jersey Senate Bill S2140

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Prohibits providers of commercial mobile service and developers of mobile application from disclosing customer's global position system data to third parties under certain circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, SB 2140 would amend existing laws related to the handling of consumer data, specifically targeting the practices of commercial mobile service providers and mobile application developers in New Jersey. The bill establishes that a customer must affirmatively consent to the disclosure of their GPS data, thereby giving consumers greater control over their personal information. Violations of this bill would be categorized as unlawful practices under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, potentially leading to significant financial penalties for offenders. These measures are intended to safeguard consumer rights and enhance transparency in how personal location data is managed by service providers.

Summary

Senate Bill 2140, introduced by Senator Paul D. Moriarty, focuses on the disclosure of customers' global positioning system (GPS) data by commercial mobile service providers and application developers. The bill seeks to prohibit the sharing of a customer's GPS data with third parties unless explicit consent has been given by the customer. This legislative measure is a response to growing concerns about privacy and data security, particularly in the context of how easily location data can be accessed and shared without consumer knowledge or approval.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance consumer privacy, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation, particularly in the complexities involved in obtaining consent. Critics may argue that the requirements for consent could pose operational challenges for mobile service providers and app developers, potentially affecting user experience or functionality. There is also concern that mandatory consent protocols may limit the effectiveness of certain applications, especially those that rely on real-time location data to deliver services. Additionally, there is an exemption written into the bill that allows for data to be disclosed when required by law enforcement or legal processes, which may spark debate on the balance between consumer privacy and public safety.