Legislation to address concerns over data privacy and data manipulation was filed for the 58th Legislative Session.

The Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, House Bill 1602, would require internet technology companies to obtain explicit permission to collect and sell personal data.

The legislation has bipartisan support and is authored by Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, and Rep. Collin Walke, D-OKC.

“For far too long, we have pretended the data that technology companies collect from us is harmless,” said West. “Over the past several years, we have seen how our data can be used by tech companies to manipulate ourselves and others. That doesn’t even take into consideration the fact that these companies are free to sell our information to whomever they choose.

“I believe in the beneficial uses of technology and that there are many positive aspects to our interconnected networks. But we must realize that when the services are free, we become the product.”

The legislation would be one of the first “opt-in” data privacy bills in the country.