Enforcing Privacy through Collective Action by the Privacy Regulators Union
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Consortium of Privacy Regulators has emerged as a significant player in enforcing data privacy laws across the United States. Comprising a partnership of state agencies, this collaborative effort aims to increase the effectiveness and consistency of privacy regulation across states.
## Formation and Purpose
The Consortium was established in early 2024, in response to the patchwork of new state privacy laws taking effect across the country. The consortium's primary objectives are to share resources, coordinate investigations, and align enforcement strategies. This collaborative approach has led to a surge in enforcement activity, particularly in states with robust privacy laws such as California.
## Major Enforcement Actions
Notable cases include Honda Motor Company, fined $632,500 for violations related to connected vehicle data practices, and a national retailer, fined $345,178 for failures in privacy rights implementation. These actions set important precedents and signal heightened scrutiny over connected vehicle data, vendor contracts, and consumer privacy rights management.
## Interaction with National and Federal Initiatives
While the consortium addresses the fragmentation of state laws, there is continued discussion at the federal level regarding a unifying privacy framework. The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), proposed in April 2024, represents the latest attempt to establish a federal standard, but as of mid-2025, it remains in draft form, and no nationwide law has been enacted. In the meantime, the consortium helps states leverage their collective power to enforce existing laws and shape national compliance expectations.
## Shaping the Future of Privacy Regulation
The Consortium's influence is likely to grow if Congress continues to delay on federal legislation. Decentralized identity systems, which prioritize individual control, minimal data collection, and clear consent, align with the Consortium's privacy goals. Regulators are focusing on whether users understand what information is being collected, why it is needed, how long it is kept, and whether it is shared with third parties.
The Consortium's efforts are already reshaping how companies handle sensitive data, particularly identity platforms and data processors. Businesses should ensure their consent processes are clear and honest, reflecting real user choice. The lack of a federal standard poses significant challenges for businesses, as they must navigate a growing patchwork of state laws.
As the Consortium continues to shape the U.S. privacy landscape, its approach may serve as a blueprint for how the country could eventually approach privacy regulation on a national scale. The Consortium's focus on data minimization, clear consent, and individual control is likely to become a standard for businesses nationwide, ensuring a more secure and private digital future for all Americans.
The Consortium's primary objectives, including sharing resources and coordinating investigations, have led to a significant surge in enforcement activity, not only in states with robust privacy laws like California, but also in the realm of sports, where data privacy and consumer rights management are paramount.
Businesses, including sports organizations, should ensure that their consent processes are clear and honest, reflecting real user choice, as the Consortium's focus on data minimization, clear consent, and individual control is likely to become a standard for businesses nationwide, ensuring a more secure and private digital future for all Americans.
