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U.S. States Enact Data Minimization Laws to Boost Privacy

New U.S. state laws echo the EU's GDPR, mandating data minimization. This shift promises better privacy, simpler data management, and enhanced customer trust.

We can see paper,on this paper we can see text and people.
We can see paper,on this paper we can see text and people.

U.S. States Enact Data Minimization Laws to Boost Privacy

Several U.S. states, led by California, have enacted laws emphasizing data minimization principles, a key aspect of data privacy. These regulations aim to limit personal data collection to what's strictly necessary, enhancing privacy and reducing risks.

At the heart of data minimization lies the principle of processing only what's required for specific, legitimate purposes. This approach, mandated by the EU's GDPR (Article 5(1)(c)), is echoed in various U.S. state laws, including those in Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia. Organizations must adhere to principles like purpose limitation, relevance of data, legal basis for collection, retention limitations, and robust security measures to effectively implement data minimization.

Adopting these practices brings multiple benefits. It reduces the attack surface, simplifies data management, improves cost efficiency, and enhances customer trust. Moreover, it helps mitigate risks such as data breaches and unauthorized access, aligning with the primary aim of data minimization.

Key U.S. laws promoting data minimization include the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA), which mandates collection of only 'reasonably necessary and proportional' data, and bans the sale of sensitive data and data of minors for advertising. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its amendment, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), also impose strict data minimization requirements and compliance obligations on companies handling Californian consumers' personal data.

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