Arr matey, Vermont be passin' a swashbucklin' data privacy law that be makin' even Blackbeard think twice!
2024-05-14
Arrr! The scallywags in the Vermont legislature have set forth a mighty decree to rein in those swindling companies from plundering our online treasures! Aye, 'tis a grand day for all ye land lubbers worried about yer precious personal data!
In a jolly turn of events, the Democrat-controlled Vermont legislature has passed a robust data privacy measure, giving consumers the power to file civil lawsuits against companies that violate certain privacy rules. However, Republican Gov. Phil Scott is wary of how this could impact small businesses, expressing his concerns as he reviews the final bill that passed before the Legislature adjourned. The bill prohibits the sale of sensitive data and imposes limits on the collection and use of personal data, making it one of the strongest data privacy laws in the country.State Rep. Monique Priestley emphasized the importance of comprehensive measures in the face of a surveillance economy where everything is monetized. The legislation allows consumers to sue companies for violations, deemed the most effective way to ensure compliance. The governor and Vermont Chamber of Commerce share concerns about the potential impact on small businesses, prompting legislators to focus enforcement actions on data brokers and large data holders.Moreover, the bill includes provisions for protecting children and is set to go into effect gradually, with a study planned to assess its effectiveness. This move in Vermont follows Maryland's recent laws aimed at safeguarding personal data online, highlighting a growing trend towards enhanced data privacy regulations across states.