NY Privacy Act Out Of First Committee

On February 8, 2021, the New York Privacy Act (the "Act" or "NY Privacy Act") was approved by the New York Senate Consumer Protection Committee. A similar bill was also introduced before the New York State Assembly. The Act, introduced by Senator Kevin Thomas in May 2021, aims to "strengthen consumer privacy rights by requiring companies to disclose their methods of de-identifying personal information, placing safeguards around data sharing, and allowing consumers to obtain the names of all entities with whom their information is shared." The Act will now advance to the Internet and Technology Committee for review. While the Act is merely a bill at this time (and, therefore, subject to further review, discussion and revision), website operators and other business owners should be aware of the potential impact that it may have on their businesses should it pass in to law.