Concord Privacy News: 3/27/24

New Hampshire Becomes 14th State to Enact Data Privacy Law

On March 6, New Hampshire Governor Sununu took a significant step by signing SB 255 into law in New Hampshire. This legislation marks a pivotal moment as it establishes New Hampshire as the 14th state in the U.S. to implement robust consumer privacy protections. Drawing inspiration from Virginia and other similar state laws, the law gives consumers the rights to view what personal data is collected by companies, how it is held, and to have that information deleted upon request.

Previously, in the wake of congressional inaction to establish national consumer protections, New Hampshire residents did not have a right to control personal data held by private entities. Not only does this legislation provide that, but it also assigns a responsibility and framework to businesses in handling, controlling, and protecting personal data.

The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2025.

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Other Privacy News of Note

TikTok Seen as Just Part of the Data Privacy Problem

By passing a bill that could ban video-sharing app TikTok in the US, the House of Representatives took one of the most aggressive legislative moves the country has seen during the social media era. Many lawmakers who opposed the bill want to think bigger. “We need to address data privacy across all social networks, including American companies like Meta and X, through meaningful regulation that protects freedom of expression,” said Wisconsin Democrat Mark Pocan in a post on X after he voted against the bill. “Not just single out one platform.” Read more.

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New Cars Are Now ‘The Worst’ Products When it Comes to Protecting Consumer Data

By 2030, more than 95% of the passenger cars sold are likely to have embedded connectivity, according to Counterpoint Technology Market Research. This allows car manufacturers to offer functions related to safety and security, predictive maintenance and prognostics. But it also opens the door for companies to collect, share or sell data related to driving habits and other personal information that people may not want shared. Read more.