California Attorney General announcements and news reports

California Enacts Senate Bill 1223 to Protect Consumers' Neural Data

Sep 30, 2024, 09:11 PM

California has enacted a new law that expands the definition of sensitive personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to include neural data, which is increasingly coveted by technology companies. The legislation, known as Senate Bill No. 1223, aims to protect consumers' brain data from being collected, shared, or sold by tech firms without consent, providing crucial mental privacy safeguards. This move addresses growing concerns over the use of neural data gathered by devices such as neuromodulation headbands and apps designed to assist with cognitive issues. By including neural data as sensitive information, California provides consumers with greater control over their mental privacy in the rapidly expanding neurotechnology industry.