With an increasing spotlight on data privacy, both globally and within the United States, several New England states have taken the initiative in considering the adoption of comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation. The norm of sector-specific and activity-specific models for US privacy regulation is undergoing a rapid transformation, reflecting a growing awareness of the significant impacts of data breaches and unauthorized data usage on consumers.
To date, twelve states in the US have enacted generally applicable laws, not restricted to industry-specific or activity-specific parameters. These laws play a dual role – they impose stiff obligations and substantive restrictions concerning the handling of consumer data by covered businesses. This recent shift in legislative focus can be attributed to the rising concerns regarding consumer data privacy and security.
You can read more about the legislation under consideration here. The article, penned by legal experts from Pierce Atwood LLP elaborates on the bills currently under scrutiny.
The upshot of this increasingly regulated landscape is that corporations and law firms alike will need to exercise judicious strategy and practice to stay compliant. Understanding the specifics of these evolving laws will be imperative in shaping any company’s data privacy measures and strategies.
The move towards a more stringent regulatory framework marks a new era in data privacy, where businesses will be held accountable for their consumer data practices. With more states taking a step in this direction, privacy laws are expected to become a central focus for legal professionals in the days ahead.