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Data privacy is a major concern for both individuals and businesses in the modern digital age. Since personal information is being collected and shared online more and more, it is important to stay up to date on any changes to data privacy laws and regulations. In this article, we will talk about some of the anticipated changes to data privacy in 2024 and how they might affect people and businesses.
Why Data Privacy is Important
Data privacy is crucial for various reasons. It is essential for individuals to have control over their personal information and it should viewed as a fundamental human right. It promotes transparency in businesses' practices of collecting and utilizing personal information, thereby fostering trust with customers.
State Privacy Regulation Changes to Look Out For
In recent years, there have been an increasing number of states in the United States adopting their own data privacy regulations. California took the lead by enacting the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a comprehensive law that grants certain rights to residents regarding their personal information. This legislation also mandates businesses to be transparent about their data collection and usage practices.
In line with California's example, several other states have begun implementing their own data privacy laws. It is crucial for businesses to stay well-informed about these new state regulations and ensure that they comply with the unique requirements of each state. This may entail revising privacy policies, adopting data protection measures, and enabling individuals to exercise their data rights.
January 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- Connecticut Privacy Act has additional provisions that have become enforceable. These provisions primarily target rules for online dating platforms.
- California Data Broker Registration begins for the DELETE Act.
- Most provisions of the Digital Services Act enter enforcement.
March 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- The Digital Markets Act becomes Enforceable in the E.U.
- Google will require consent signals to be provided for advertising and measurement services in the E.U.
- Utah Social Media Regulation Act enters Enforcement
- Enforcement of new CCPA Regulations begins
- Washington's My Health, My Data Act enters enforcement for most businesses.
- Nevada's Health Privacy Bill is slated for enforcement.
June 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- Washington's My Health, My Data Act enters enforcement for small businesses.
July 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- California’s Age Appropriate Design Code is now in effect, requiring new privacy configurations for websites that may receive visits from children. (Tentative: currently under court battle)
- Colorado's Universal Opt-Out Mechanism becomes enforceable.
- Oregon's Data Privacy Law becomes enforceable for businesses.
- Texas' Data Privacy Law becomes enforceable.
- Florida's Digital Bill of Rights enters enforcement.
- Connecticut Privacy Act definitions change.
- Louisiana's Social Media Age Verification Bill goes into effect (tentative, currently under court battle).
- California Data Brokers must update their privacy policies due to the DELETE Act
October 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- Montana's Data Privacy Act begins enforcement.
- Connecticut Privacy Act has additional provisions that become enforceable, mostly targeting rules for children.
December 2024 Privacy Regulation Changes
- Connecticut repeals the required 60-day cure period for privacy violations.
Other Privacy Changes to Look Out For
Google and Apple are prominent figures in the technology sector, and they have been diligently striving to implement more stringent data privacy measures. Here are some of the things they are doing to enhance data privacy:
Apple
Apple has made a firm commitment to safeguarding user privacy by introducing features like App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which empowers users with greater control over their data. Here are a few examples of things they have done to address data privacy:
- App Tracking Transparency (ATT): Apple has implemented the ATT framework, which requires apps to obtain user consent before tracking their data across other apps and websites. This gives users more control over their data and helps protect their privacy.
- Privacy Labels: Apple has introduced privacy labels on the App Store, which provide users with information about the data collected by apps. This allows users to make informed decisions about which apps they want to install and use.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Apple has been focusing on enhancing the security of user data. They have implemented features like Face ID and Touch ID for secure authentication, as well as improved encryption protocols to protect user data.
Starting in the first half of the year, Apple plans to implement Privacy Manifests, which will restrict access to specific SDK features until users grant permission through the App Tracking Transparency prompts.
Google has implemented measures to limit third-party cookies as one approach to user privacy. Here are a few changes you can expect to see from Google in 2024:
- January: Chrome begins testing third-party cookies phase out in Q1, targeting 1% of Chrome users.
- June: Google Analytics Universal Analytics data for the 360 version stops being accessible.
- July: Google Analytics Universal Analytics (360) stops processing new hit data (End of Life).
- Q3-Q4: Google Chrome to phase out third-party cookies.
How These Changes May Impact Individuals
The upcoming changes to data privacy laws and regulations in 2024 will greatly affect individuals. These new regulations will bring about stricter rules and enhanced safeguards for personal information. Individuals will have more opportunities to exercise their right to opt out of data collection, access their information, and in some cases delete their information.
How These Changes May Impact Businesses
Changes to data privacy in 2024 will have a significant impact on businesses. Stricter regulations and enhanced protection for personal information will require businesses to be more diligent in obtaining consent and ensuring compliance.
To enhance clarity and ease of understanding, businesses may need to consider implementing more stringent security measures, updating privacy policies, and increasing transparency regarding the utilization of personal information. Additionally, they may need to allocate more resources toward implementing processes along with acquiring new technology and tools to ensure compliance with these modifications.
How to Prepare for These Changes
To prepare for the data privacy changes expected in 2024, businesses and individuals can take the following steps:
Stay Informed
To enhance readability, it is important to stay informed about any changes in data privacy laws and regulations. Sign up for Further’s privacy newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest privacy developments and regulation changes.
Review Privacy Policies
It is important for individuals to carefully examine the privacy policies of businesses they engage with to ensure that they are satisfied with how their personal information is being handled. Similarly, businesses should regularly review and revise their privacy policies to guarantee that they are in line with any recent regulations.
Be Mindful of Personal Information
It is important for individuals to be aware of the personal information they share online and of their privacy rights. Similarly, businesses should exercise caution when collecting personal information, take steps to obtain proper consent, and implement adequate privacy processes.
Conclusion
Data privacy is a topic that is always changing, and it is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay updated on any developments. In the year 2024, we can anticipate more stringent regulations, enhanced safeguards for personal information, and modifications to privacy policies. By staying informed and taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves, we can contribute to creating a digital world that is safer and more secure.
Need help navigating data privacy? Contact Further today for tailored solutions that drive results. Let's chart the course to success together. Sign up for Further’s privacy newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest privacy developments and regulation changes.
