Unlike some other regions, the United States doesn't have a single, comprehensive data privacy law on a national level. Instead, multiple federal laws govern different types of data and states have implemented regulations to address privacy concerns. This fragmented approach means businesses must navigate a complex regulatory landscape to ensure compliance.
At the federal level, laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protect medical data, while the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act governs financial information. The Federal Trade Commission also plays a role in enforcing data privacy standards, holding companies accountable for misleading or inadequate privacy practices.
States have taken steps to address gaps in federal regulations. The California Consumer Privacy Act grants residents rights over their personal data, including the ability to opt out of data sharing and request data deletion. Other states have introduced privacy laws, creating a patchwork of regulations businesses must comply with. To manage these complexities, organizations rely on privacy compliance software and GDPR privacy management software to ensure they meet legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions.