Explain like I’m 5—Data privacy laws and regulations you should know

Why do data privacy laws exist?

Imagine if anyone could read your emails, see your medical records, or access your bank account. Scary, right? That’s where data privacy laws come in. They help ensure your personal information stays private and secure.

This post will guide you through the types of information protected under these laws, highlight key regulations in the U.S. and abroad, and share what you can do to safeguard your rights.

What kind of information do data privacy laws protect?

Data privacy laws are generally designed to define and protect personally identifiable information (PII), such as:

• Your name, address, and Social Security number
• Financial information, like bank account details or credit card numbers
• Medical records and health data
• Login credentials and passwords
• Biometric data, like fingerprints or facial recognition scans

Learn more about data privacy and how to protect your personally identifiable information today.

Data privacy laws you should know

State privacy laws

In the U.S., 20 states have passed data privacy laws, each offering varying levels of protection. Here are some notable examples:

•  California: California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
• Colorado: Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
• Connecticut: Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)
• Virginia: Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)
• Utah: Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)

California’s CCPA is especially robust, giving residents rights to access, delete, and opt out of sharing their data.

Federal data privacy laws

The federal government has also passed laws that include data privacy requirements in specific areas, including protection for health, financial, and educational information. These include:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Protects health and medical records.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Safeguards student education records.
•  Privacy Act of 1974: Protects records held by federal agencies.
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Ensures accuracy and privacy of credit reports.

These laws can help prevent identity theft and protect sensitive information like medical data.

Global data privacy laws

Beyond the U.S., countries around the world are stepping up to protect personal information:

• Europe: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets the global gold standard.
• Africa: Countries like South Africa have introduced data privacy protections through POPIA.
• Asia: Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) emphasizes consumer rights.
• North America: Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) governs how businesses collect and use personal data.

Data privacy infringement concerns in the news

Some companies can find themselves in the spotlight for how they handle data. Some notable examples include:

• FaceApp: Sparked fears over data sharing with foreign governments.
• Facebook: Faced scrutiny for unauthorized data sharing with third parties.
• Flo: Accused of sharing sensitive health data without user consent.

Find out if your private data goes public

Your data might already be exposed without you knowing. Tools like LifeLock and the Personal Data Exposure Scan can help you monitor your information and take action if something goes wrong.