Maryland legislators have introduced Senate Bill 541, also known as The Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, aimed at bolstering consumer protection in response to concerns regarding data privacy.
As long-standing proponents of consumer rights and experienced consumer protection lawyers, the team at The Holland Law Firm stands united to get the bill passed in the Maryland State Senate and enacted into law.
What Will the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act Do?
If enacted, this legislation would mandate major tech corporations to scale back their consumer data collection, permitting them to gather only essential information necessary for operational purposes. Additionally, these companies would be obligated to fortify their cybersecurity measures to safeguard all collected consumer data. The proposed bill also seeks to grant individuals the right to access, rectify, erase, and opt out of data collection practices.
To address potential legal ambiguities, the bill incorporates certain exemptions. Notably, it refrains from encroaching upon matters regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), excludes financial institutions from its purview, and allows flexibility for entities serving fewer than 35,000 customers annually.
Peter Holland Testifies on Senate Bill 541
In mid-February of 2024, active consumer rights attorney Peter Holland testified in front of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee, explaining his experience with big tech companies and their access to consumer data. Peter explained how difficult it can be for consumers to rectify any misleading or incorrect information about themselves once it’s in the hands of these companies and how it’s nearly impossible to access/review what personal data these companies possess.
Listen to an audio clip from Peter’s testimony below:
Please revisit our blog for future updates regarding the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act.