As digital privacy continues to concern consumers worldwide, new legislation in Delaware aims to enhance the level of protection consumers receive with respect to their personal data. Delaware Governor John Carney recently signed the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act into law.
According to reports, this new piece of legislation will become effective on January 1, 2025. In preparation for the forthcoming law, a public outreach program is scheduled to commence by July 1, 2024.
The outreach program is designed to educate Delaware consumers about their rights under the new law while also enlightening businesses on their new obligations with respect to data privacy. This move is part of a wider trend in which states are passing consumer privacy bills, a trend that started with the passing of the California Consumer Privacy Act in 2018.
This law could have a significant impact on legal teams around the world, especially those working at international corporations that may now have to navigate these new privacy regulations. Lawyers, corporate counsels, and compliance officers should take note of key dates to ensure business operations remain compliant with these changes.
Encouraging transparent data handling practices and prioritising the rights of consumers is becoming a trend globally, with this latest law out of Delaware marking a continued effort to balance data-driven business operations against the rights and privacy of consumers.