Lawmakers Aim To Update Constitution For Data Privacy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) State lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment that would protect personal data from unreasonable search and seizure without a warrant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Supporters say the amendment will clarify that personal data is covered by the Fourth Amendment.

They also hope it closes loopholes that allow the federal government access to your emails, text messages and photos.

Sen. Branden Peterson, R-Andover, said there was a loophole in federal law over emails and other forms of digital communication.

All forms of electronic communication that are over sixmonths old can be accessed without a warrant, Peterson said.

The bill has passed through the Civil Law Committee and will be taken up in the Government Operations committee on Thursday.

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Lawmakers Aim To Update Constitution For Data Privacy