Six States Unite to Fortify Consumer Data Privacy Protections Amid Rising Digital Threats

In a world where personal data flows freely across state lines, six states have banded together to strengthen consumer privacy protections. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, and New Jersey, alongside Oregon, have formed the Consortium of Privacy Regulators. This group, announced on April 16, 2025, aims to share information, align priorities, and coordinate enforcement of privacy laws. The effort reflects a growing recognition that data privacy threats, from breaches to unauthorized sharing, demand collective action.

The initiative, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Privacy Protection Agency, responds to the challenges of a digital economy where personal information is a prized commodity. Consumers increasingly rely on online platforms for banking, healthcare, and shopping, generating vast amounts of data. When mishandled, this data can expose sensitive details about financial status, health conditions, or personal habits, leaving individuals vulnerable to harm.

The consortium’s formation comes at a time when privacy violations carry steep consequences. Data breaches, for instance, cost businesses billions annually and erode public trust. By pooling resources, these states hope to create a unified front against companies that fail to safeguard consumer information, ensuring accountability in an era where data knows no borders.

The stakes of data privacy have never been higher. As more aspects of daily life move online, the volume of personal information collected by businesses has surged. This includes location data, health records, and even genetic information, all of which can be exploited if not properly protected. For example, a single breach can expose bank account details or medical histories, leading to financial loss or identity theft.

Vulnerable communities face unique risks. Location data, often collected by mobile apps, can reveal visits to clinics or places of worship, potentially targeting immigrants or those seeking reproductive healthcare. In recent years, reports have surfaced of data brokers selling information about Planned Parenthood visits to advocacy groups, raising alarms about surveillance and discrimination. These concerns have spurred states to act, with California leading efforts to regulate how such data is handled.

The consortium’s work builds on existing laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act, which grants residents the right to know, delete, or opt out of the sale of their personal information. Similar laws in other states, such as Colorado and Connecticut, reflect a broader push to empower consumers. Yet, enforcing these rights across jurisdictions remains complex, underscoring the need for collaboration.

California has been at the forefront of privacy enforcement, with Attorney General Bonta taking decisive action against violators. In 2022, a settlement with Sephora addressed allegations that the retailer failed to disclose data sales or honor opt-out requests. The following year, DoorDash settled claims it sold customer information without proper notice. In 2024, a video game developer faced penalties for illegally collecting children’s data, highlighting the state’s focus on protecting younger users.

Other states in the consortium have also stepped up. Connecticut and Colorado have conducted joint investigations into data brokers, while Indiana has targeted companies mishandling health information. These efforts often involve “sweeps,” where regulators scrutinize entire industries, such as location data providers, to identify widespread violations. The approach has proven effective in uncovering practices that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Beyond enforcement, the consortium emphasizes education. Recent campaigns have informed consumers about their rights, such as directing 23andMe customers to delete their genetic data. By raising awareness and holding businesses accountable, the group aims to shift the balance of power toward individuals.

Despite its promise, the consortium faces hurdles. Harmonizing different state laws is no small task, as each has unique requirements and enforcement mechanisms. Some business groups argue that overlapping regulations create compliance burdens, particularly for smaller companies. They advocate for a federal privacy law to streamline obligations, though consumer advocates counter that state-level protections are often stronger and more responsive to local needs.

Another challenge lies in addressing emerging technologies. Automated decision-making systems, like those used in targeted advertising, raise new privacy concerns that existing laws may not fully cover. The California Privacy Protection Agency is exploring rules to regulate these systems, but progress is slow, and consensus among states remains elusive.

For consumers, the benefits of the consortium are clear, but skepticism persists. Some question whether enforcement actions, often resulting in fines, truly deter large corporations. Others worry that vulnerable groups, such as those seeking gender-affirming care, still face risks from unregulated data markets. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and broader protections.

The Consortium of Privacy Regulators marks a significant step toward safeguarding consumer data in a complex digital landscape. By fostering collaboration, the group enhances the ability of states to tackle privacy violations that transcend borders. Its focus on vulnerable communities and emerging risks, like location data misuse, signals a commitment to addressing real-world harms.

As the consortium evolves, its success will depend on balancing enforcement with innovation. Consumers deserve robust protections, but businesses need clarity to comply. With data privacy shaping everything from healthcare to personal safety, the stakes are high. The united effort of these six states offers hope that individuals can regain control over their information, one step at a time.