AUGUSTA – Yesterday, the Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval to a measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, that would strengthen Maine’s data privacy laws by limiting the type of data and personal information companies are able to collect from consumers and how that data can be used in the marketplace.
In recent years, a number of states have adopted data privacy laws, including Maryland and California. Similar to those states, LD 1822 focuses on data minimization, which would limit companies to collecting only the information necessary to provide a required service and ensure that sensitive data cannot be sold.
“With every swipe, scroll and click online, we are all leaving behind a trail of data that companies can harness and use with very few guardrails,” said Kuhn. “While the federal government has shown little interest in protecting our ability to control our personal information in the digital era, it is up to the states to take meaningful action. This bill strikes the right balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring accountability, and it will help foster a safe, more equitable digital ecosystem in Maine for years to come.”
As amended, the legislation would ensure that personal data can only be collected if it is reasonably necessary for a company to provide a specific product or service. It would also ensure that sensitive data – like race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs and health information – can only be collected in certain circumstances, and that it cannot be sold to a third party, reducing the risk of profiling or discriminatory use. Finally, it would prohibit minors’ data from being sold or used to create targeted ads. If enacted into law, the measure would take effect on July 1, 2027.
According to the Pew Research Institute, 81% of Americans believe that the information companies collect about them online will be used in ways they are not comfortable with. Additionally, 80% believe that this information will be used in ways that were not originally intended.
The bill received broad support at its public hearing last year, including from the Maine Attorney General’s Office and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).
LD 1822 faces further votes in the Senate and House in the coming weeks.
Rep. Kuhn is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents part of Falmouth. She is the House chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Kuhn) | 305-965-2744