What small business owners need to know about privacy in 2024

The information provided today is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

2023 saw a continuation of the intense focus on privacy issues that marked previous years. Numerous privacy bills were introduced, GDPR fines were issued, and both consumers and legislators showed increased interest in protecting online privacy. As we move into 2024, small businesses must stay informed about developments in this critical area.

1. More States Proposing Privacy Laws:
   • Current Landscape: As of now, several states have proposed or enacted privacy bills requiring websites that collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to maintain a Privacy Policy. PII can include names, emails, or phone numbers gathered through contact forms.
   • Future Trends: We anticipate an increase in the number of states introducing privacy legislation. These laws often apply to businesses operating outside the state if they collect PII from its residents, adding complexity for businesses operating across state lines.

2. State Privacy Laws Coming into Effect:

1. • Washington and Beyond: States like Washington are leading the charge in regulating online privacy. We expect more states to pass and enforce privacy laws in 2024, following the momentum from previous years.

3. Progress on a Federal Level:

1. • Federal Privacy Bills: Currently, there are multiple federal privacy bills aiming to create a unified framework for privacy protection across the U.S. These bills would mandate Privacy Policies for websites collecting PII. However, some federal proposals might not override state laws, potentially requiring compliance with both federal and multiple state regulations.

4. IAPP Predictions and CCPA Influence:

1. • CCPA Model: The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) predicts that more states will enact laws modeled on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Many state privacy bills already cite the CCPA as a model, aiming to grant similar privacy rights to their residents.

5. Swift Enforcement of New Regulations:

1. • California’s Leadership: With the CCPA now in full effect and its enforcement ongoing, we expect swift action on non-compliance. The California Attorney General’s office has been active in issuing fines and ensuring adherence to the law.

As a small business owner, staying abreast of these developments can be daunting. It’s crucial to continuously update your Privacy Policy to remain compliant. We recommend using services like Termageddon, which offers automated Privacy Policy generators that update in real-time as laws change, saving you time and ensuring compliance.

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The information provided today is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.