OMAHA, NEBRASKA (RFD News) — Nebraska lawmakers are taking steps to strengthen digital privacy protections for farmers by passing a bill that would prohibit the sale of agricultural data unless a farmer gives written consent.
The proposed Ag Data Privacy Act classifies farm data as a proprietary business asset, requiring companies to obtain permission separate from standard terms-of-service agreements. If companies do not comply, they could face a $1,000 fine.
The bill has not yet been signed into law, but Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen voiced support for a similar measure last year.
The issue is also being addressed at the University of Nebraska, where researchers say tools like sensors, GPS, and cloud-based technology are helping move agriculture forward, but also pose potential entry points for cyber threats. That concern led the university to launch an Ag Security Center to help protect more than 40,000 acres of research land.
Officials say many of the technologies used on farms today are also widely available to consumers, making them potential targets.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
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