The Senate's recently passed transportation bill will require every new car to carry a data-recording “black box” similar the ones used in aircraft. The bill's expected to pass the House of Representatives and go on to the White House for President Obama's signature. After 2015, individuals who don't go along could be subject to civil penalties, infowars says. Safety device or spy box? Tell us what you think in the comments below. The black box's primary function is to record data such as speed, acceleration, airbag and seat belt information.

Although the text of legislation states that such data would remain the property of the owner of the vehicle, the government would have the power to access it in a number of circumstances, including by court order, if the owner consents to make it available, and pursuant to an investigation or inspection conducted by the Secretary of Transportation.

Very nice. But the bill -- the "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act" -- would allow authorities to track drivers' movements. Some argue this is a good thing: It would help authorities track down criminals. From my point of view, though -- and I'm not a U.S. citizen, but I still have my opinion -- it sounds like one of those bad dreams that come true. Consider: The bill would also allow the Internal Revenue Service to revoke the passport of anyone accused of -- not convicted of, but accused of -- owing more than $50,000 in back taxes. Like I said, sometimes bad dreams come true.