California, armed with the California Privacy Protection Agency, faces delays due to a court ruling, but the anticipation is that enforcement will pick up swiftly in 2024. Reed Smith LLP’s Monique Bhargava warns, “Companies should expect to see more enforcement activity in California once the regulations are enforceable,” signaling a broader enforcement trend across states.
Congressional Quagmire and Children’s Privacy Challenges
As state-level battles intensify, Congress faces increasing pressure for federal legislation to provide a more uniform approach. While comprehensive data privacy legislation remains unlikely, there’s a glimmer of hope for a narrower proposal, particularly addressing children’s privacy.
The Senate Commerce Committee made strides in 2023, advancing an online safety bill in July. Yet, challenges persist, with successful court rulings against state-level efforts to enhance children’s online safety and privacy. Constitutional doubts linger over age verification requirements, setting the stage for a judicial showdown in 2024.
Cybersecurity & Privacy Policy To Watch In 2024 : Regulators Stepping Up Cybersecurity Game
The regulatory spotlight on companies’ ability to safeguard personal information intensifies as federal and state regulators embrace a more aggressive approach. The SEC finalizes rules for public companies’ cybersecurity disclosures, and the FTC amplifies cyber governance and reporting obligations for financial institutions.
