Oklahoma, Alabama enact weak privacy laws

Oklahoma and Alabama recently enacted “privacy” laws that fail to meaningfully protect consumers from the abuse of their personal data. Oklahoma’s bill has been signed into law, and Alabama’s awaits the Governor’s signature.

The bill mirrors laws in other states such as Virginia. EPIC and U.S. PIRG Education Fund released a report last year noting that nearly half of states that have passed consumer privacy laws get a failing grade for protecting consumers’ data. Of the 19 states with laws, eight received Fs, and none received an A.

EPIC and Consumer Reports had sent a letter to the Oklahoma Legislature opposing the bill.