The US is close to enacting a tougher data privacy law

The General Assembly of the state of Vermont in the US has just approved one of the strongest data protection laws in the country.

According to the text, companies can no longer freely use the personal information of Vermont citizens, under penalty of being sued by them.

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The bill also prohibits the sale of confidential data such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers, financial or health information. It also sets significant limits on the amount of personal data companies can collect and use.

According to State Vice President Monique Priestley, the initiative will help protect people in a world where everything is cash. He explains that state attorneys general don’t have enough resources to address all violations — which is why people have the autonomy to file civil lawsuits.

If there is a violation and someone wants to file a lawsuit, the company has 60 days to resolve the issue.

Governor Vs

• Despite being approved by Vermont delegates, Governor Bill Scott has yet to give the go-ahead for the plan.
• Primarily because he is a Republican and the majority in the legislature are Democrats.
• Second, he is concerned about local traders.
• He says he understands the privacy concerns, but said the law, as it exists, will penalize small businesses.
• He says the big tech companies won’t have any major problems dealing with the new device because they know they have a large legal team and can buy “the right data.”
• According to the governor, small businesses will face more difficulties.
• They can mistakenly buy the “wrong data” and still have to deal with lawsuits and lawsuits – all without the money to back them up.

America is rallying around this issue

Both parties are now talking and trying to reach a common ground.

If the governor signs the bill, most of it would take effect in 2025. However, the ability to sue consumers will come into effect only in 2026 and expire in 2028. The idea is to do a two-year trial to see what happens. It’s like experience.

Notably, at least 10 US states have already enacted specific laws on data protection.

The approval from Vermont came a week after Maryland’s governor signed into law two measures aimed at better protecting personal data from big tech.

One of the bills seeks to create limits on information collected from children. Other Maryland legislation aims to create consumer protections and rights, as well as obligations for companies that collect data. Now something about what we read.

Information from ABC News.