Bill Would Warn Viewers Their TV Is Watching Them

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano is pushing legislation he says will require television watchers be given a warning before their television set starts to watch them back.

Capuano said he’s co-sponsoring the bill in response to reports that national telecommunications companies are exploring technologies that would allow digital video recorders to record the personal activities of consumers as they watch television to better target ads.

The Massachusetts Democrat said that while the technology is in its conceptual stages, it’s important Congress establish clear boundaries before it becomes a reality.

Capuano says the bill he’s co-sponsoring with North Carolina Republican Rep. Walter Jones would require consumers to agree to the technology before it’s used.

The bill, which Capuano calls the “We Are Watching You Act,” would also require an on-screen warning whenever a device is recording information.