States Continue to Regulate Data Privacy Amidst Congressional Inaction
Despite ongoing discussions in Congress regarding a potential federal data privacy law, states are continuing to enact their own regulations, driven by constituent concerns over technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Virginia Delegate Kirk McPike noted a growing 'trust issue' among the public regarding new technologies, particularly social media and AI, which has prompted state lawmakers to implement safeguards. Virginia's comprehensive privacy law, enacted in 2021 and effective in 2023, grants residents rights over their personal data and allows them to request records from companies. Other states, including California, Florida, New York, Utah, Arkansas, Maryland, and Texas, have also passed age verification or age-appropriate design laws for social media. This fragmented regulatory landscape is a concern for business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which argues that it increases compliance costs and hinders innovation. However, state lawmakers like McPike believe that in the absence o...
