Analysis of U.S. State Privacy Laws: Data Protection Assessments and Recommendations

The Centre for Information Policy Leadership at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has recently released a groundbreaking discussion paper on the Comparison of U.S. State Privacy Laws: Data Protection Assessments. This paper delves into the complexities of data protection assessment requirements outlined in various U.S. state privacy laws, shedding light on the challenges faced by organizations in achieving compliance.

One of the key takeaways from the paper is the need for consistency in terminology and definitions across state laws to facilitate the development of effective data protection assessment and compliance programs. With the ever-evolving landscape of privacy regulations, organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the divergent requirements of different states while also adhering to global standards such as the GDPR.

The paper also emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement with internal and external stakeholders in conducting comprehensive data protection assessments. While organizations are encouraged to proactively engage in effective risk assessments, regulators and lawmakers are urged to incentivize this practice without prescribing specific methods or elements.

Furthermore, the paper highlights the burden placed on organizations by the requirement to share detailed data protection assessments with regulators on a regular basis. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining records of assessments and producing them upon request, thus streamlining the compliance process.

Overall, the discussion paper provides valuable insights and recommendations for both organizations and policymakers to navigate the complex landscape of U.S. state privacy laws. To learn more about the findings and recommendations, you can access the full discussion paper on the CIPL website.