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Washington Privacy Act (WPA)

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
$7,500 per violation
Scope
State
Regulator
AG
Status
Pending

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Overview

The Washington Privacy Act establishes comprehensive privacy rights for Washington residents and obligations for businesses processing personal data.

Key Facts

  • Expected to be enacted in 2024
  • Enforced by Washington State Attorney General
  • Includes consumer rights and business obligations

Key Principles

Consumer Rights

Comprehensive rights granted to Washington residents regarding their personal data.

Requirements

  • Right to access
  • Right to correction
  • Right to deletion
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to opt-out

Examples

  • Access request procedures
  • Correction mechanisms
  • Deletion protocols
  • Data portability tools

Transparency

Organizations must be transparent about their data processing activities.

Requirements

  • Clear privacy notices
  • Processing purpose disclosure
  • Data sharing information
  • Rights notification
  • Regular updates

Examples

  • Privacy policies
  • Data processing notices
  • Rights information
  • Communication records

Data Minimization

Collection and processing of personal data must be limited to what is necessary.

Requirements

  • Assess data necessity
  • Limit collection scope
  • Regular data reviews
  • Deletion procedures
  • Documentation of necessity

Examples

  • Data collection forms
  • Necessity assessments
  • Deletion schedules
  • Review procedures

Compliance Requirements

Data Protection Assessment

Requirements for conducting data protection assessments for high-risk processing.

Implementation Steps

  • Identify high-risk processing
  • Conduct assessment
  • Document findings
  • Implement safeguards
  • Regular reviews

Required Documentation

  • Assessment reports
  • Risk evaluations
  • Mitigation plans
  • Review records
  • Implementation logs

Opt-Out Mechanisms

Implementation of mechanisms for consumers to opt out of data processing.

Implementation Steps

  • Implement opt-out systems
  • Provide clear instructions
  • Process opt-outs promptly
  • Maintain records
  • Regular testing

Required Documentation

  • Opt-out procedures
  • Technical documentation
  • Processing records
  • Testing logs
  • Maintenance records

Consumer Request Handling

Procedures for handling and responding to consumer rights requests.

Implementation Steps

  • Establish request procedures
  • Implement verification methods
  • Set response timelines
  • Train staff
  • Document responses

Required Documentation

  • Request procedures
  • Verification methods
  • Response templates
  • Training materials
  • Request logs

Enforcement & Penalties

Attorney General Enforcement

The Washington State Attorney General has exclusive authority to enforce the WPA.

Penalty Categories

Civil Penalties
Up to $7,500 per violation
For each violation of the Act
Actual Damages
Varies
Recovery of actual damages
Injunctive Relief
Court Orders
Orders to cease violations

Example Cases

Hypothetical Case 1
$100,000
2024 - Multiple violations of consumer rights
Hypothetical Case 2
$75,000
2024 - Failure to implement opt-out mechanisms

Cure Period

Organizations have 30 days to cure violations after notification.

Penalty Categories

Initial Notice
No immediate penalty
30-day opportunity to cure violation
Failure to Cure
Up to $7,500 per violation
If violation not cured within 30 days
Repeat Violations
Up to $7,500 per violation
No cure period for repeat violations

Example Cases

Hypothetical Case 3
Cured - No Fine
2024 - Violation remedied within cure period
Hypothetical Case 4
$50,000
2024 - Failed to cure violation within 30 days