Jace Lamonica
In many states, surveillance cameras track your every step. But a few others shield your life from going public by rolling out safe and secure laws. Wondering where your city stands? Let’s look at five states that protect personal information and five that test the boundaries of surveillance.
California
Data brokers operating in California must comply with strict opt-out protocols under the CPRA. The law empowers you to demand data deletion, limit data sharing, and access collected information. This consumer-first approach directly responds to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which involved improperly collecting and using user data from Facebook.
Colorado
Since July 2023, Colorado’s Consumer Privacy Act has required businesses to evaluate risks tied to sensitive data use. It also mandates clear disclosures about why and how data is collected. This boosts transparency, helping consumers understand how their personal information is handled, not hidden behind legal jargon.
Utah
Utah’s 2023 Consumer Data Protection law focuses on deceptive opt-out practices and unauthorized data mining. It empowers residents to report violations tied to targeted ads. This way, non-compliant businesses are bound to face penalties when they exploit consumer data.
Connecticut
The Data Protection Law in Connecticut compels businesses to obtain explicit consent before handling sensitive data like biometrics and geolocation. Passed in 2023, it mirrors European GDPR principles—a rare move for U.S. states. Consumers now wield unprecedented control over their most personal information.
Maine
Broadband privacy law in Maine is the strictest in the U.S., as internet service providers must obtain explicit consent before selling browsing history, search queries, or location data. This law emerged after Congress repealed federal broadband privacy protections in 2017.
While these states offer strong privacy protections, the next five have a more precarious environment for safeguarding personal data. Citizens in these states face huge risks of data breaches and privacy issues.
South Dakota
South Dakota offers little in the way of digital privacy protections. It lacks comprehensive laws addressing consumer data rights, online oversight, or third-party data sales. Corporations face few restrictions without clear regulations, which leaves residents vulnerable to unchecked data collection and exploitation.
Nevada
Surveillance is deeply embedded in daily life in Nevada, especially in entertainment hubs. Advanced systems use AI and facial recognition to track movements across gaming floors and public venues. Though designed for security, this constant observation challenges personal privacy rights. Actions are rarely shielded from watchful eyes in Nevada.
New York
New York operates over 15,000 government security cameras, many tied directly to law enforcement systems. This expansive monitoring of public spaces raises concerns over data privacy and individual freedom. Civil liberties advocates also warn that mass data collection is excessive in New York State.
Illinois
A huge network of surveillance cameras is maintained by the Illinois Police Department. These cameras help them monitor public areas in real time. While promoted as crime-fighting measures, critics warn of potential profiling and misuse of personal data, which means the price of safety may be your digital footprint.
Georgia
Georgia’s push toward tech-driven infrastructure includes surveillance tools that monitor traffic, air quality, and safety metrics. These systems rely on constant data collection from public environments. Many privacy rights advocates raise alarms over how this information is stored and used.
