“Unpacking the Patchwork: Exploring the State of US State-level Privacy Laws”

IAPP panel to discuss the challenges of navigating US state-level privacy legislation

As privacy continues to be at the forefront of concerns among individuals and organizations alike, different states in the US have taken matters into their own hands by implementing their own privacy legislation. While such laws are supposed to protect consumer data and privacy, they also pose new challenges for privacy professionals when it comes to compliance.

To discuss these challenges, the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) is hosting a live panel on LinkedIn with IAPP experts Anokhy Desai, Amy Olivero, and Joe Duball. The discussion, moderated by IAPP Research and Insights Director Joe Jones, will take place on June 20, 2021, at 13:00 EDT.

Privacy legislation in US states

The panel discussion will revolve around the five latest states to pass consumer privacy legislation: Virginia, Colorado, California, Maine, and Nevada. Each state has unique provisions that define how businesses must handle personal data, which can prove difficult for privacy professionals tasked with understanding and navigating the variations between these differing laws.

For instance, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), passed in 2018, is one of the most prominent privacy laws in the country. However, organizations that do business in California and other states must also comply with the newer Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, which went into effect earlier this year. The CCPA and the Virginia law differ on several key provisions relating to data collection, rights, and enforcement. And with other states like New York also considering their privacy legislation, the patchwork of privacy laws across the US could prove overwhelming for companies.

The complexities of privacy compliance

As privacy laws continue to evolve, privacy compliance has become an increasingly challenging task. Even more so with the passage of state-level privacy laws. Privacy professionals must be knowledgeable about the requirements of each law to ensure their organizations are in compliance. Companies may have to spend significant resources on the creation of new policies, procedures, and technologies to adjust to various state privacy laws’ provisions.

However, the effort is worth it to ensure companies maintain customer trust and avoid potential legal violations and fines for non-compliance. As Joe Jones, the moderator of the panel, points out, “These laws give consumers the rights to more control over their data and the knowledge of how it’s being used, but they also present a compliance challenge for businesses operating in each state.”

Advice for privacy professionals

In light of the panel, privacy professionals must recognize the need for adaptability in their privacy programs to address and comply with the evolving landscape of privacy regulations. They must have a deep understanding of how each state law may affect their organization, along with the customers they serve.

Organizations should recognize that privacy compliance is a crucial part of maintaining customer trust and reputation. Thus, investing in appropriate privacy policies, staff training, and technologies can mitigate risks and improve compliance.

The panel discussion by IAPP promises to be a valuable contribution to the ongoing privacy conversation, shedding light on the intricacies and pitfalls of navigating the patchwork of state-level privacy laws. As privacy professionals continue to grapple with the evolving regulatory landscape, they must rely on expertise, collaboration, and partnerships to navigate these challenging scenarios to create a safer digital environment.