ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) State lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment that would protect personal data from unreasonable search and seizure without a warrant. <\/p>\n
The data privacy amendment would expand the current law to protect electronic communications and data,giving it the same protection in the state constitution as papers and other personal property. <\/p>\n
Lawmakers in favor of this constitutional amendment say it would ensure that new 21stcentury communications, emails, text messages and photos are protected just as much as your other personal property. <\/p>\n
A broad spectrum of political opinion in the state is speaking as one voice: supporters range from the most conservative lawmakers to the most liberal, all believing that further protections are needed forthe electronic communications of Minnesotans. <\/p>\n
Minnesotans support our traditional rights to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and theyre also saying they support a modest, targeted constitutional amendment to make it clear that these protections still apply in our digital era, Matt Ehling, president of the Minnesota non-profit Public Record Media, said. <\/p>\n
Supporters say the amendment will clarify that personal data is covered by the Fourth Amendment. <\/p>\n
They also hope it closes loopholes that allow the federal government access to your emails, text messages and photos. <\/p>\n
Sen. Branden Peterson, R-Andover, said there was a loophole in federal law over emails and other forms of digital communication. <\/p>\n
All forms of electronic communication that are over sixmonths old can be accessed without a warrant, Peterson said. <\/p>\n
The bill has passed through the Civil Law Committee and will be taken up in the Government Operations committee on Thursday. <\/p>\n
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