United States data protection laws are designed to help minimize the risk of sensitive information exposure. A skilled lawyer can interpret these extremely complex laws to help you understand your legal rights should you find your information stolen.
Whether purchasing something or conversing with a friend, you are putting valuable data on the Internet that could cause you harm if stolen. That is why working with a data breach attorney can be critical if you face any incident. You have the right to protect your data.
How did U.S. data protection laws begin?
One of the foundations of U.S. data protection laws is the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which went into place in 2020. This law, the framework for other state laws, aims to protect a person’s personal data. It aims to ensure that any data collection is performed transparently and is done securely. It also ensures that only data that you have consented to is accessed.
What is the Consumer Data Protection Act?
The Consumer Data Protection Act, formally called the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act of 2021, works to create a way to limit the amount of data that companies can collect from you. This federal law protects consumer data by limiting companies from capturing sensitive data without your personal permission. The bill, which has not been implemented across the country, is one of the consumer privacy and data protection acts that most people should know about in a digital age like this.
Which states have enacted consumer data protection laws?
Not all states have laws in place to protect consumer data privacyjust yet, though many have discussed the benefits and restrictions on imposing them. As of April 2024, the following states have consumer data protection in place in some form:
- California: The most broad and far-reaching act limits the collection and selling of a person’s information without approval
- Colorado: This state has in place the Colorado Privacy Act, which helps to protect access, correction, deletion, and data portability.
- Connecticut: The state’s Connecticut Data Privacy Action aims to make data protections stronger for minors.
- Delaware: The Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act restricts how sensitive data can be used, protects children’s data, and creates a way for people to opt out of using their data.
- Florida: The Florida Digital Bill of Rights is a comprehensive privacy law, though there are limitations on how these laws impact data.
- Indiana: The Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act provides data protection for residents in various ways.
- Iowa: The Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act, one of the most business-friendly, minimizes risks but is not as robust as others.
- Montana: The Consumer Data Privacy Act in Montana aims to limit the collection of sensitive data.
- New Hampshire: Senate Bill 255 handles data collection and access for some companies.
- New Jersey: The New Jersey Data Privacy Act protects consumer data by regulating how companies collect and use personal information.
- Oregon: The Oregon Consumer Privacy Act is one of the most advanced in the nation and protects biometric, sensitive, and personal data from commercial use.
- Tennessee: The Tennessee Information Protection Act minimizes how personal data can be obtained or copied.
- Texas: The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) limits how companies can sell, collect, and access personal data.
- Utah: The Utah Consumer Privacy Act is more business-friendly but offers some restrictions on access.
- Virginia: The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act helps minimize data access without approval.
Get the legal guidance you need
Understanding United States data protection laws can be a challenge. Contact Mason LLP if you believe you have been a victim at (202) 429-2290 or complete our contact form to request a free consultation with our data breach attorneys.
