By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill strengthening data privacy protections and control of gathered online personal data for Oklahomans has been signed into law.
House Majority Floor Leader Josh West (R-Grove) and Senator Brent Howard (R-Altus) wrote Senate Bill 546, which outlines clear rules and guidelines for all businesses collecting and processing the personal data of Oklahoma citizens.
The new law will allow Oklahomans to obtain copies of their personal data, as well as allow them to correct or delete that information
Residents will also be able to opt out of the sale of their personal data and some targeted advertising practices.
All businesses operating in Oklahoma who process over 100,000 customers’ personal data or receive the majority of their revenue by processing the data of 25,000 customers or more must follow the guidelines outlined in the bill.
Reasonable data security measures must also be put in place to protect residents’ personal data and information.
Howard explained, “Senate Bill 546 puts Oklahomans back in control of their personal data. For too long, technology companies and online platforms have collected and sold consumers’ personal information, including search histories, spending habits and other browsing data, without giving them the chance to opt out. This new law protects Oklahomans’ privacy online by giving every individual the right to know what data is being collected, while also giving them the power to delete that information and prevent it from being sold.”
Certain agencies are exempted from these guidelines including state agencies, nonprofits and higher education institutions.
Organizations working with data that’s already regulated under federal laws, such as HIPPAA, are also exempt.
The law will take effect on Jan, 1, 2027.
