차량용 블랙박스와 운전자의 사생활 보호 : 미국에서의 사고기록장치(Event Data Recorder : EDR) 규제를 중심으로

Abstract

Frequently faced with dangerous situations, for evidentiary purpose in case of civil and criminal liability challenges, car drivers in Korea have been armed with so-called 'black boxes'; however, which are just video recorders in vehicles rather than real 'black boxes' that are equipped in the airplanes. In the United States, they are called EDRs(Event Data Recorders), more technically, which means that they record data of events happened while driving, such as velocity changes, airbags deployment, seatbelt wearing etc. just like in the airplanes. EDR technology is quickly becoming more advanced, more widely available, and less expensive; however, new concerns are emerging : the privacy of drivers. In U. S., vehicle manufacturers and insurance companies and the governmental agencies including the courts and legislatures are the main parties in terms of the EDR concerns. In order to determine the best way to regulate EDR, it is necessary to balance all the merits, such as safety, privacy, truth, justice and efficiency, to support a legal framework regulating the EDR concerns. This article, in light of the regulation of EDR and experience therof in the United States, examines EDR technology itself, particularly with respect to the automobile industry, describing its history, its current state, and trends that may change it in the future; and explains how the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA), legislatures, courts have approached EDR data. At the early stage of regulation on EDRs in Korea, examining U. S. legal framework and usages would help for successful establishment of legislation and regulation.