OLYMPIA – Washington state is one step closer to stronger digital privacy protections as Rep. Shelley Kloba’s (D–Kenmore) People’s Privacy Act successfully advanced out of committee on February 14. This critical legislation aims to return control of personal data to individuals and set firm boundaries on corporate data collection and use.
“People deserve to have a say in how their personal data is handled,” said Rep. Kloba. “For too long, companies have prioritized profits over privacy, exploiting consumer data without meaningful oversight. This bill shifts the balance, ensuring Washingtonians have the rights and protections they need in the digital age.”
In today’s interconnected world, every online action—from browsing habits to location tracking—feeds into a vast data economy that corporations profit off of and use to shape our behavior. The People’s Privacy Act challenges this pervasive data exploitation by setting clear, enforceable limits on how companies collect and use consumer information.
Privacy and consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the bill’s momentum. “The People’s Privacy Act is a crucial step toward ensuring individuals, not corporations, have control over their data,” said Kara Williams, EPIC Law Fellow. “Washington has the chance to lead the way in meaningful privacy protections.”
Consumer Reports echoed the urgency of passing the legislation. “This bill holds businesses accountable for how they handle user data,” said Matt Schwartz, policy analyst at Consumer Reports. “Consumers shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of settings to protect their privacy—companies should be responsible by default.”
The People’s Privacy Act builds on Washington’s My Health My Data Act, reinforcing safeguards for sensitive health information while promoting responsible corporate data practices.
“We live so much of our lives online, but that doesn’t mean we should surrender our privacy,” said Kloba. “This legislation puts the power back where it belongs—in the hands of the people.”
To learn more about the People’s Privacy Act, click here.