Texas Ramps Up Enforcement of Privacy Laws

I would not expect Texas to be the bastion of privacy, but they are definitely leading the parade. The Texas AG has created a task force to focus on enforcing the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, and several privacy laws, including:

• The Capture or Use of Biometric Information (CUBI) law
• Texas Data Broker Actr
• Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)

The AG says there are several factors for why he is stepping up enforcement, probably starting with a desire to run for Governor or other higher office including:

• Protection of consumer rights
• Response to technological advances
• Legal precedents and industry compliance

In general, what do these laws require/provide for?

• Notice and consent – this is something Silicon Valley tries hard to avoid.
• Data broker registration
• Consumer rights typical of other state privacy laws but missing the right for victims to sue
• Penalties for non-compliance

This new task force is responsible for enforcing these laws, pursuing legal action when needed and monitoring compliance.

One of the challenges that the AG is going to need to deal with is that there is a huge component of the tech sector based in Austin, including SpaceX and Twitter and these folks have a lot of money and a lot of lobbyists, so there could be some collateral damage, including damage to the attorney general himself.

Credit: Truyo

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