InfoBytes Blog
Connecticut becomes fifth state to enact comprehensive privacy legislation
On May 10, the Connecticut governor signed SB 6, establishing a framework for controlling and processing consumers’ personal data in the state. Connecticut is now the fifth state in the nation to enact comprehensive consumer privacy measures, following California, Colorado, Virginia, and Utah (covered by Buckley Special Alerts here and here and InfoBytes here and here). As previously covered by InfoBytes, Connecticut consumers will have the right to, among other things, (i) confirm whether their personal data is being processed and access their data; (ii) correct inaccuracies; (iii) delete their data; (iv) obtain a copy of personal data processed by a controller; and (v) opt out of the processing of their data for targeted advertising, the sale of their data, or profiling to assist solely automated decisions. The Act also outlines data controller responsibilities, including a requirement that controllers must respond to consumers’ requests free of charge within 45 days unless extenuating circumstances arise. The Act also limits the collection of personal data “to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which such data is processed, as disclosed to the consumer,” and requires controllers to implement data security protection practices “appropriate to the volume and nature of the personal data at issue” and conduct data protection assessments for processing activities that present a heightened risk of harm to consumers. While the Act explicitly prohibits its use as a basis for a private right of action, it does grant the state attorney general exclusive authority to enforce the law. Additionally, upon discovering a potential violation of the Act, the attorney general must give the controller or processor written notice and 60 days to cure the alleged violation before the attorney general can file suit. The Act takes effect July 1, 2023.