The Delaware Department of Justice’s (DoJ) Consumer Protection Unit has launched a new personal data privacy portal as a navigational tool for parents, consumers, and businesses that handle Delawareans’ personal data to help prepare for the upcoming implementation of the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), which goes into effect in January 2025.
The DPDPA establishes clear guidelines for businesses that handle personal data and its goal, in part, is to give Delawareans more control over how business can use their personal data starting in 2025. The new law applies to businesses, including non-profits, with personal data of over 35,000 Delaware residents, although some exceptions apply.
Under the new law, the Delaware DoJ explained that businesses must provide transparency over their personal data practices as well as seek Delawareans’ consent when they collect and use sensitive personal data such as race and ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, and health information.
“Delawareans deserve to have their private data protected and to have a say in how it is shared. Thanks to the upcoming implementation of the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act, we will be able to do just that,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I am confident Delaware businesses will take their new personal data privacy obligations seriously, and our Consumer Protection Unit is working hard to help them prepare as this new law approaches in 2025.”
The new site, privacy.delaware.gov, provides needed information to help businesses prepare to fully comply with the law by January 2025. DoJ leaders said the site will continue to be updated with new materials and information on a rolling basis. In a press release, the DoJ said it strongly advises that businesses should begin preparing now to ensure that they are ready by the first day the new law becomes enforceable.
