States Lose (Again) with Federal Data Breach Law

The federal data breach bill moving through Congress will preempt all state laws. Most states have stronger data breach laws than the federal bill.

Some say the federal bill is being pushed by the business lobby. It makes sense. Businesses are being sued after data breaches and it is costing millions and millions. Hundreds of millions. 

California, has stronger data security statutes and the California Consumer Federation says the federal bill will:

•Eliminate notification to the California attorney general  of any security breach.

•Allow the state attorney general to file a civil lawsuit but prevent individuals from suing over a data breach.

•It would no longer require breached companies to provide free ID theft protection services, such as credit monitoring and fraud alerts.

LA Times