Skip to main content

On-demand webinar coming soon...

Blog

Rhode Island strengthens privacy with new Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act

Rhode Island becomes the 20th state to enact a privacy law, joining the growing list of states prioritizing consumer data protection

Keshawna Campbel
Privacy Research Manager, OneTrust Center of Excellence
June 28, 2024

Columns of a government building

On June 25, 2024, Rhode Island took a significant step toward enhancing data privacy with the passage of House Bill 7787 and Senate Bill 2500, collectively known as the Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act. Passed by the state legislature earlier in June, this new law sets out clear guidelines for businesses operating in the state to ensure transparency and protect consumer data.

 

Scope and application of the Act

The Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act mainly targets for-profit businesses operating in Rhode Island or those offering products or services to Rhode Island residents. It applies to companies that, in the previous calendar year:

  • Controlled or processed personal data of at least 35,000 customers, excluding data processed solely for payment transactions.

  • Controlled or processed personal data of at least 10,000 customers and derived over 20% of their gross revenue from selling personal data.

 

Exclusions from the Act

The Act doesn't cover specific types of information, such as:

  • Protected health information under HIPAA.

  • Identifiable private information collected in human research.

  • Data regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

  • Personal data managed under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

  • Employment-related data and data processed for state bodies, non-profit organizations, or financial institutions under the GLBA.

 

Key definitions

The Act defines several terms to clarify its scope, including controller, process, sale of personal data, and sensitive data. It defines personal data as “any information linked or reasonably linkable to an identifiable individual, excluding de-identified data or publicly available information.”

The Act also defines what activities are not considered 'targeted advertising' including:

  • Advertisements based on activities within a controller's own Internet websites or online applications;

  • advertisements based on the context of a customer's current search query, or current visit to an Internet website or online application;

  • advertisements directed to a customer in response to the customer's request for information or feedback; or

  • processing personal data solely to measure or report advertising frequency, performance, or reach.

Notably, the Act does not have a definition for personally identifiable information. 

 

Principles and obligations

The Act outlines principles for processing personal data, including implementing reasonable security practices and obtaining customer consent for processing sensitive data. Controllers are required to:

  • Create a privacy notice detailing data collection categories, third-party disclosures, customer rights, and contact information.

  • Clearly disclose if they sell personal data or use it for targeted advertising.

Processors must follow controllers' instructions and have contracts governing data processing. Controllers must also conduct data protection assessments for high-risk processing activities and document these assessments to comply with applicable laws.

 

Unique privacy notice requirements

The Act adopts a unique approach to privacy notices. Broader than the Act's general scope of application the information sharing provisions require commercial websites or internet service providers that collect, store and sell customers' personally identifiable information to disclose third parties to whom they sell or "may sell" such information. The scope of this requirement is unclear as the Act does not define "personally identifiable information." This ambiguity could pose challenges for businesses as they strive to comply.

 

Consumer rights

The Act grants consumers several rights, including:

  • The right to be confirm, access, correct, delete, and data portability.

  • The right to opt-out of targeted advertising, profiling in furtherance of  automated decisions with significant effects.

  • The right to use authorized agents for opt-out requests.

Controllers must respond to consumer requests within 45 days, free of charge once per 12-month period, with provisions for authentication.

 

Enforcement and timeline

The Rhode Island Attorney General has exclusive authority to enforce the Act, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026. 

 

Next steps for businesses

With the Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act set to take effect in January 2026, businesses need to start preparing now to ensure compliance. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Review data practices: Audit your current data collection, processing, and sharing practices to ensure they align with the new requirements. Pay particular attention to the categories of personal data collected and how this data is shared with third parties.

  2. Update privacy notices: Given the Act’s unique privacy notice requirements, businesses should update their privacy policies to clearly disclose third parties to whom they sell or may sell personal data. Clarify any ambiguities around the term "personally identifiable information."

  3. Implement security measures: Establish and maintain robust administrative, technical, and physical data security practices. Ensure that sensitive data processing adheres to consent requirements.

  4. Develop consumer rights protocols: Create and implement processes for consumers to exercise their rights under the Act, including the right to access, correction, deletion, and opt-out of data processing for targeted advertising.

  5. Conduct Data Protection Assessments: Identify and document high-risk data processing activities. Regularly conduct data protection assessments to mitigate potential risks to consumer data.

  6. Train your team: Educate your teams about the new requirements and the importance of data privacy and security. Ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining compliance.

  7. Monitor for updates: Stay informed about any legislative clarifications or amendments to the Act that may arise before the effective date. This is especially important given the ambiguity around certain definitions and requirements. For the latest updates and expert analysis, visit OneTrust DataGuidance

By taking these steps, businesses can better navigate the complexities of the Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act and ensure they’re well-prepared for its implementation.

Request a demo to learn more about how OneTrust can help with your US privacy compliance efforts.


You may also like

Webinar

Privacy Management

Staying equipped for compliance: A global recap of emerging privacy laws

Join us for a global regulatory recap, where we will explore the latest privacy regulations and key developments impacting compliance in 2024 and beyond. This webinar will offer a streamlined analysis of newly adopted privacy laws, emerging AI regulations, and the evolving cyber regulations such as the NIS2 Directive.

November 20, 2024

Learn more

eBook

Consent & Preferences

Mastering US opt-out requirements: A practical guide for marketers

Discover how to manage US opt-out requirements and enhance your marketing efforts with this guide. Download now to simplify compliance and build trust.

October 22, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

Global regulatory update: Recent privacy developments and compliance trends

Join us for a webinar on the latest updates and emerging trends in global privacy regulations.

September 12, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Preparing for child data protection laws in the US

Join DataGuidance and a panel of experts as we discuss  US privacy laws the protection of minors' data. 

August 07, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

The road to 50 states: Rhode Island joins the US privacy landscape with a new law

Rhode Island has become the 20th US State to pass a privacy law. On June 25, 2024, the Governor of Rhode Island transmitted the Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (RIDTPPA) without signature allowing the Act to become law. Join the webinar to learn more.

July 16, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Preparing for the future of privacy in healthcare: Going beyond HIPAA compliance

Join us for a discussion on preparing your organization for healthcare privacy compliance that goes beyond HIPAA.

July 11, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

The road to 50 states: Minnesota and Vermont join the US privacy landscape

In this webinar, OneTrust DataGuidance and expert contributors unpack the MCPA and VDPA, examining the requirements, exceptions, and practical implications of the legislations on the data controllers and processors.

June 17, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

From legislation to operation: How to prepare for the new wave of US Privacy laws

Prepare your organization for the new wave of US privacy laws.

June 06, 2024

Learn more

Checklist

Third-Party Risk

TPRM privacy compliance: Questions to ask when working with third parties

Download this checklist to learn what questions to ask when designing a third-party risk management program that enables privacy compliance.

May 31, 2024

Learn more

Infographic

Comparing US state privacy law requirements

Download our infographic and compare the many US state privacy law requirements that have been enacted or will soon come into effect.

May 14, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Federal US privacy bill on the horizon? Exploring the draft APRA & new state privacy legislation

Join OneTrust DataGuidance and expert contributors for an overview of the Kentucky Consumer Privacy Act (KCPA), Maryland's Senate Bill 0541, and the draft American Privacy Rights Act and explore how a federal bill could shape the US privacy landscape.

April 23, 2024

Learn more

Infographic

Privacy Management

US state privacy laws timeline

View our timeline to understand the progression of current US state privacy laws and key dates.

April 23, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Spring into action! Navigating CPRA: Ensuring compliance and protecting privacy

Join us for an interactive webinar we dive into the CPRA, which will go into force on March 29th.

March 21, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

The road to 50 states: New Jersey and New Hampshire join the US privacy landscape

oin OneTrust DataGuidance for a webinar highlighting the key requirements within the new US laws, New Jersey Senate Bill 332 and New Hampshire Senate Bill 255.

February 01, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

Embedding Privacy by Design through PIA Automation

Join us for a webinar on Embedding Privacy by Design through PIA Automation.

January 11, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Automating fulfillment of subject rights requests in the US

Learn how Privacy Rights Automation helps to fully automate privacy rights requests. 

December 06, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

December's deadline: Ensuring compliance with Utah's privacy regulation

Join us for a webinar as we explore the impending implementation of the Utah Privacy Law, set to take effect on December 31, 2023.

November 14, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

The road to privacy compliance: A spotlight on Oregon & Delaware legislation

We explore the new Oregon and Delaware privacy laws, how they differ from other US privacy laws, and what they mean for your business.

September 14, 2023

Learn more

Regulation Book

Privacy Management

Utah Consumer Privacy Act law book

Download the Utah Consumer Privacy Act law book and have the official UCPA text at your fingertips for when the law takes effect on December 31, 2023.

September 04, 2023

Learn more

Blog

Privacy Management

The road to 50 states: Delaware and Oregon join the US privacy landscape

Get in-depth analysis on two upcoming US Privacy laws, the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA) and the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), with OneTrust DataGuidence and a panel of experts.

August 10, 2023

Learn more

Resource Kit

Privacy Management

EU-US Data Privacy Framework resource kit

Download our EU-US Data Privacy Framework resource kit to better understand the new aggreement for cross-border personal data transfers and how to educate your stakeholders.

July 20, 2023

Learn more

Resource Kit

Privacy & Data Governance

US privacy resource kit

Download our US privacy resource kit designed to access a range of materials to help you understand how the US privacy landscape is evolving.

July 13, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Now in effect: Colorado and Connecticut privacy laws

In this free webinar, our privacy experts delve into the new Colorado and Connecticut privacy laws and how they differ from other US state regulations.

July 12, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

New states, new dates: Preparing for Indiana, Montana, Tennessee and Florida state privacy laws

Join our expert panel where we examine upcoming privacy legislation in Indiana, Montana, Tennessee, and Florida and the key requirements of each law.

June 20, 2023

Learn more

Infographic

Consent & Preferences

Navigating Google's new CMP requirements

Adapt to Google's June 2023 CMP requirements with this infographic and confidently engage your audience while staying compliant.

June 20, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

US privacy laws on the horizon: Which states will be next?

Join our live webinar as OneTrust DataGuidence and privacy experts examine new privacy legislation in Indiana, Montana, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas.

June 15, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Consent & Preferences

The ultimate guide to consent and preferences for marketers

Download this eBook and learn how marketers can apply consent and preference principles to build a relationship with their audience built on trust.

June 02, 2023

Learn more

Regulation Book

Privacy Management

Colorado Privacy Act law book

The Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) comes into force on July 1. Get the law's official text right at your fingertips.

May 30, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Understanding Washington's My Health My Data Act

The Washington My Health My Data Act was signed into law on April 27, 2023 and will be enacted the following year. Join OneTrust DataGuidance and a team of legal experts and get the knowledge you need for compliance.

May 18, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

Operationalizing the Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act

Join the Privacy experts at OneTrust for an update on the new law and learn key requirements of Iowa’s new privacy law and more.

May 16, 2023

Learn more

White Paper

AI Governance

Navigating responsible AI: A privacy professional's guide

Download our white paper and learn how privacy teams help organizations establish and implement polices that ensure AI applications are responsible and ethical. 

May 03, 2023

Learn more

Blog

Privacy & Data Governance

Comparing US privacy law exemptions infographic

Learn how to navigate the new US privacy law exemptions and see how they compare.

May 01, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

Automate subject rights requests for compliance with US state privacy laws

Join this interactive webinar to learn how OneTrust Privacy Rights Automation helps you to fully automate privacy rights requests for your organization.

April 19, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

Iowa joins US privacy landscape with a new law

OneTrust DataGuidance’s webinar discusses Iowa’s CDPA, its similarities to other US privacy laws, its implications on organizations, and steps for compliance.

April 10, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

USA biometric laws: Key considerations and emerging trends

Biometric laws are emerging, and companies must ensure compliance to avoid hefty fines. Join the OneTrust DataGuidance panel of experts to learn more.

April 06, 2023 1 min read

Learn more

Infographic

Privacy Management

US privacy in 2023: Top 3 compliance priorities

Businesses at different stages of privacy maturity will need to approach US privacy compliance in different ways. Download the infographic to learn more.

March 08, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

Assess privacy risk for compliance with US state privacy laws

Join this US Privacy Demo Series webinar to see a live demo of the OneTrust privacy risk or data protection assessments (PIA's) automation solution.

March 01, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

US Privacy Masterclass - Employee rights fulfilment

Learn the steps you can take to boost employee trust in compliance with US Privacy Laws in our US Privacy Masterclass on Employee Rights Fulfilment.

February 07, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

US Privacy Masterclass - Consumer rights & opt-outs

Join us in our US Privacy Masterclass as we delve into the evolving US privacy landscape and how you can build a trust-based privacy program in 2023.

February 07, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

US privacy masterclass - risk and DPIAs

Join us in our US Privacy Masterclass on Risk and DPIAs to understand the operational components for risk assessments/data protection assessments.

February 06, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

US privacy masterclass - retention & minimization

Our US Privacy Masterclass on Retention & Minimization will help you understand data policy requirements across US Privacy Laws.

February 06, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Data Privacy Day: Protiviti & OneTrust

Join industry experts at OneTrust & Protiviti for an operational deep dive and interactive Q&A on the upcoming US State laws set to go into effect in 2023.

January 26, 2023

Learn more

Checklist

Privacy Management

7 steps to CPRA compliance

Download this checklist to make sure your organization follows the right steps to implement processes that achieve California Privacy Rights Act compliance.

January 24, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Consent & Preferences

The ultimate guide to US opt-out requirements

Learn about the different opt-out requirements, such as a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” in the US privacy landscape, and how to comply with them.

January 23, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Privacy & Data Governance

The ultimate guide to US privacy

Learn more about the three priorities for managing US privacy requirements, including addressing the most visible aspects of US privacy compliance.

December 12, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Expanded US consumer rights: What’s new and what should you do?

Join our experts to understand the operational impact of these newly-expanded US consumer rights and how to automate consumer rights request fulfillment.

August 25, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Privacy risk assessments in the US: Why, when, and what?

In this webinar, OneTrust experts discuss requirements for conducting PIAs: why they exist, when you should do them, and what they should include.

August 24, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

A US federal privacy bill is on the horizon: get to know the ADPPA webinar

In this session, legal experts Michelle Schaap and Andy Lee are joined by OneTrust DataGuidance to provide an overview of what the ADPPA entails.

August 17, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Establishing and enforcing retention policies

Attend our webinar, "Establishing and enforcing retention policies," part of the US Privacy Laws Masterclass Series.

July 27, 2022

Learn more

eBook

Privacy & Data Governance

How to comply with the CCPA opt-out requirement

Download this guide to learn how you can comply with the CCPA's opt-out requirements to get on the right track to CCPA compliance.

July 22, 2022

Learn more

White Paper

Privacy & Data Governance

How OneTrust helps with California privacy law compliance (CCPA & CPRA)

This guide to California privacy law compliance helps your organization understand the requirements under the CCPA and CPRA.

June 23, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Utah and Connecticut: Latest additions to the US Privacy landscape

Watch our webinars on the latest privacy laws from Utah and Connecticut and what you need to know to prepare in 2023.

June 17, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

US privacy laws & regulations: answering your biggest questions

Join us for a Q&A on the several US state laws going in effect in 2023.

June 16, 2022

Learn more

eBook

Privacy & Data Governance

Comparing US state privacy laws

Download this eBook and explore the key areas of US state privacy laws and how they compare. 

June 15, 2022

Learn more

Resource Kit

Privacy Management

Your US privacy masterclass resource kit

These resources provide key information on US privacy law through blogs, webinars, and eBooks.

April 26, 2022

Learn more

Checklist

Privacy & Data Governance

6 step checklist for compliance with US privacy laws

Download our six step checklist for US privacy laws and ensure that your company remains compliant in 2023.

March 29, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

Utah joins the US Privacy landscape with new comprehensive law

Join us for an overview of Utah's Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA) and its impact on your organization.

March 25, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Overview: Understanding the trio of US privacy laws

Attend our webinar, to better understand privacy laws in the US.

March 23, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

New to US privacy: Privacy impact assessments

Watch our webinar as we discuss privacy impact assessments and how they relate to US privacy laws.

March 23, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Navigating opt-out of sale vs. share

Watch our US Privacy Law masterclass to  learn about opt-out of sales and share requirements and best practices for approaching compliance.

March 23, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

US Privacy series: Effectively governing personal and sensitive personal information part 3

Watch our webinar on US privacy laws and gain insight on effective personal information managment strategies.

February 02, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

US Privacy series: Effectively governing personal and sensitive personal information part 2

Join us for an overview of US privacy laws and strategies for dealing with compliance.

January 11, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

[Part 1] US Privacy Series: Establishing a foundation for compliance

In the first part of our US Privacy Series, we discuss US privacy laws such as the CPRA and best practices towards compliance. 

December 21, 2021

Learn more

Infographic

Privacy & Data Governance

Employee rights under the CPRA

Download our infographic on employee rights under the CPRA to help prepare for the law's expansion in CPRA. 

December 07, 2021

Learn more

eBook

Privacy & Data Governance

The ultimate guide to CCPA compliance

The Ultimate Guide to CCPA Compliance eBook highlights key compliance areas of  the CCPA that you should consider when building a privacy program.

December 01, 2021

Learn more

eBook

Privacy & Data Governance

Download this eBook for an overview of the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) to understand what it means for organizations.

Download this eBook for an overview of the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) to understand what it means for organizations.

July 22, 2021

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy & Data Governance

CCPA compliance masterclass

Watch our OneTrust CCPA Masterclass Series and learn how to prepare your organization for CCPA compliance.

Learn more

Webinar

US Privacy Masterclass: Countdown to 2023 compliance

Join this US Privacy Masterclass series as we delve into the evolving US privacy landscape and how you can build a trust-based privacy program in 2023.

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

US Privacy Masterclass 2022

Watch the OneTrust US Privacy Masterclass series and gain insight on the major US privacy law and best practices.

Learn more