LA Can Track E-Scooter Movements, 9th Circuit Says
March 14, 2023
I’m familiar with this topic. In July 2021, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the city of Los Angeles can collect real-time data on the movements of electric scooters through a system known as the Mobility Data Specification (MDS). The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by two scooter rental companies, which argued that the data collection violated their Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The court found that the collection of data through MDS was not a search or seizure because the data were voluntarily provided by the scooter companies as a condition of their permit to operate in the city. The court also noted that the city had put in place safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals using the scooters, such as requiring the data to be anonymized and restricting access to it.
The ruling is significant because it establishes the legality of using real-time data collection to manage and regulate shared mobility services like electric scooters. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for government surveillance and the need for strong privacy protections to prevent the abuse of such data.
Los Angeles Tracks E-Scooter Movements
Yes, that’s correct. The city of Los Angeles uses the Mobility Data Specification (MDS) system to collect real-time data on the movements of electric scooters. The MDS system was developed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation in collaboration with private mobility companies, and it is used to manage and regulate the use of shared mobility services like electric scooters.
Through the MDS system, the city collects information such as the location, speed, and battery level of each scooter, as well as data on how many people are using them and where they are going. This information is used by the city to monitor compliance with local regulations, such as speed limits and parking restrictions, and to manage the distribution and availability of scooters in different neighborhoods.
The collection of this data has been the subject of controversy and legal challenges, with some arguing that it represents an invasion of privacy and a potential threat to civil liberties. However, as I mentioned earlier, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the data collection is legal, provided that adequate privacy protections are in place.
A Quick Reminder About Government Searches
Certainly. In the United States, government searches are subject to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, the Fourth Amendment requires that searches be conducted with a warrant based on probable cause, or that they fall within certain narrowly defined exceptions to the warrant requirement.
However, there are also situations in which the government may conduct searches without a warrant or consent. For example, searches may be conducted when there is an immediate threat to public safety or when evidence is in danger of being destroyed. Additionally, certain types of searches, such as border searches and searches incident to arrest, are reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.
Overall, the balance between individual privacy and government interests in conducting searches is a complex and ongoing legal debate, and the rules regarding government searches can vary depending on the circumstances of the search and the jurisdiction involved.
Giving Information Away
Giving information away can have different implications depending on the context and nature of the information. In some cases, giving information away may be voluntary and relatively low-risk, such as when we share our favorite hobbies or personal preferences with friends or family members. However, in other situations, giving away certain types of information can carry significant risks, such as identity theft, cybercrime, or invasion of privacy.
When considering giving away information, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of doing so and to make informed decisions about what information to share and with whom. This can involve assessing the trustworthiness of the recipient, understanding the potential risks associated with the information, and considering the potential impact on one’s personal and professional life.
It’s also worth noting that in some cases, individuals may be compelled to give away certain types of information by legal or regulatory requirements, such as in the context of a legal investigation or employment screening process. In such cases, it’s important to understand one’s legal rights and obligations and to seek appropriate legal advice if necessary.
