States Push Back on Proposed Federal Privacy Law

California Attorney General Rob Bonta spearheaded a coalition of 18 state attorneys general opposing the SECURE Data Act, contending the proposed federal privacy legislation would preempt stronger state privacy laws and weaken consumer protections. The coalition warns the bill would restrict consumers’ privacy rights, permit broader business data use, and undermine state enforcement capabilities. They urged Congress to establish federal privacy rules as a baseline rather than a ceiling, allowing states to maintain stronger protections addressing emerging technologies and evolving data practices.