New legislation would allow Minnesotans control of their personal data online [Video]

New legislation would allow Minnesotans control of their personal data online

ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – A new bill would allow Minnesotans control of who can sell their data when using the internet. Part of the Omnibus Commerce, Energy and Agriculture Bill, the law requires companies to allow Minnesotans to opt-out of data collection and sales.

“For years, Minnesotans have been asking for more protections around the use and sale of online data. This legislative session we are finally putting control back in the hands of Minnesotans,” said Senator Bonnie Westlin (DFL-Plymouth), one of the authors of the bill.

Minnesota would not be the first state to enact such a bill, as similar laws are already in effect in 15 states.

Currently, companies can legally track and sell all sorts of data on the internet, including personal contact information, payment information, and even precise location. Those same companies can sell …