As we see the summer months of 2023 draw to a close, one cannot help but notice the significant events making headlines in relation to privacy laws, particularly in the United States. The events in question are to varied scales and magnitudes— ranging from statewide legislation in Oregon to federal agency action by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
One of the noteworthy milestones within the recent period has been the state of Oregon’s proactive stride in enhancing data privacy. The Beaver State has not only signed into law a comprehensive privacy act but is also enacting a data broker law.
The SEC has also made a pertinent move in the data protection realm by implementing new rules concerning the disclosure of cybersecurity incidents. The sheer importance of such rules resonate across corporations, as more and more businesses digitalize their operations and consequently, data breaches increase, bringing a surge in accountability and responsibility for corporations and their data privacy protocols.
Online tracking technologies continue to raise eyebrows and form a considerable portion of regulatory concerns and subsequent litigation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) together with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly spearheaded this cause by sending letters to hospitals regarding online tracking.
Moreover, the legal community has also observed an uptick in wiretapping claims involving several companies within this period. As such, the arena of privacy laws is showing relentless dynamism, keeping legal professionals vigilant and continually abreast of the developing landscape.
In conclusion, the recent wave of updates signifies that the realm of privacy law is experiencing significant evolution and transformation. Legal professionals, corporate entities, and law firms alike need to stay conscious of these changes and adapt accordingly to adequately protect themselves and their clientele.