The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has introduced a new online toolkit aimed at helping families in the state protect their personal data. This initiative coincides with Data Privacy Day, observed on January 28th. The toolkit includes handouts and social media content designed to educate Oregonians about their rights under the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA), which became effective last July.
The OCPA empowers individuals and families to manage their personal data, which can include home addresses, browsing histories, and health information. A recent survey by the Oregon DOJ highlighted that children's privacy is the top concern for residents. While federal laws protect children under 13, the OCPA provides additional rights for parents and teens.
"We want to make sure everyone in Oregon knows they have privacy rights," said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. "This law allows parents and teens to request that a website delete information about a child or themselves. That way, they can reduce the risk of being exploited by advertisers or data brokers."
Oregonians are encouraged to use an online link provided by the DOJ to determine if businesses are collecting or using their data. Individuals have the right to request deletion of personal data, opt out of its sale, and obtain copies of their data or lists of third parties who have received it.
In cases where businesses do not respond adequately, individuals can submit complaints through a designated form. Since the OCPA's implementation last year, 118 consumer privacy complaints have been filed with the DOJ. The Privacy Unit reviews each complaint and issues notices of violation to non-compliant businesses, which then have 30 days to address these issues or face penalties.
"We appreciate how responsive businesses have been when they have received a letter from us," Rayfield stated. He noted that common problems include confusing privacy notices and missing information about third-party data sharing. Businesses are encouraged to consult guidance available on the DOJ's website.
Later this year, the scope of the OCPA will expand to include non-profit organizations starting July 1st. The DOJ is preparing additional resources to assist these groups in complying with the law.