Usercentrics blog

In 2025 more U.S. state privacy laws came into effect than in any previous year. Three more followed in 2026 and new ones continue to be passed. We compare what U.S. state-level data privacy laws mean for businesses and consumer rights in light of increasing regulation and enforcement.

GDPR exemptions are specific circumstances in which organizations may be excused from certain requirements under the law. This guide explains what those scenarios are, which obligations may still apply, and when an organization may be able to rely on its legitimate interests.

CIPA demand letters are targeting websites implementing tracking technologies that fire before visitors provide consent. The new Usercentrics CIPA Template applies a geotargeted, opt-in consent configuration for California visitors within the existing Web CMP, automatically blocking such technologies until affirmative consent is given.

The Vermont Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act (VDPOSA) makes Vermont the 23rd U.S. state with a comprehensive privacy law. This guide covers applicability thresholds, consumer rights, the AI training disclosure requirement, opt-out preference signals, and enforcement, with comparisons to the models in effect in other states.

The Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA) governs how businesses collect, process, and sell Connecticut residents’ personal data. This guide covers applicability thresholds, sensitive data categories, consumer rights, and enforcement, including the July 2026 amendments (Public Act 25-113) and SB 4, which add profiling rights, a geolocation sale ban, and new disclosure requirements for businesses.

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is a federal wiretap law enacted in 1986. Like CIPA, it was originally designed to protect telephone and computer communications from interception. It is now widely used in class action litigation targeting website tracking technologies. This article explains the law, its three titles, and how businesses can manage exposure.

For companies doing business with residents of California, CCPA and CPRA compliance are required. Here’s how to protect your business.

The Alabama Personal Data Protection Act (APDPA), enacted through HB 351 in April 2026, establishes consumer rights over personal data and corresponding obligations for businesses processing data of Alabama residents. The law takes effect May 1, 2027 and includes notable distinctions around its applicability thresholds, sale definition, consent revocation, teen data protections, and cure period.

Originally a 1967 wiretapping law, CIPA is now central to a surge of U.S. privacy litigation targeting websites that deploy cookies, pixels, and session replay tools without prior user consent. We look at CIPA’s legal framework, key sections, how it differs from the CCPA, compliance, penalties, and how a consent management platform can reduce exposure.