Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz took to the Senate floor on Tuesday to call for the introduction of a bipartisan bill that would require companies to disclose if their consumer electronics are spying on people.

Cruz delivered speech On the Senate floor, Consumer Notices for the Smart Devices Act, a bill that would require manufacturers to notify consumers when using appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers for home use seeks unanimous consent to pass the Home appliances have microphones and cameras. (Related: ‘Amazing’: Ted Cruz accuses Biden administration of cocaine ‘cover-up’)

Start at 1:58

“But technological advancement can come with trade-offs. And for smart devices, one potential trade-off is privacy. In Texas, we are very conscious of that cost. For several years now, thanks to smart thermostats, power companies have been able to remotely control the temperature of our homes in the name of saving energy, and many Americans are using an ever-increasing number of smart home devices such as We don’t know or expect that our appliances have cameras and microphones that can surreptitiously record or transmit data to our families,” said Cruz, who is a leading member of the Senate. . Commerce Commission.

“I agree with the argument that there are too many obligations from the government, many of which are unnecessary, burdensome and costly. It doesn’t fit the category, and I’d have to say that I’m on the side of individual liberty when it comes to assessing the minimum burden of damage, the burden of disclosure.I fall on the side of privacy.” added Cruz.

Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul rejected Mr. Cruz’s request for unanimous consent.