John,

Companies harvest and sell way too much of our data.

Sometimes, this data collection makes sense. Amazon needs your shipping address to send you packages, and Uber needs your location to pick you up. But when data collection gets out of hand, it can cause big problems.

How are companies collecting data on us -- and what are states doing about it?

The websites and apps you rely on often have secret tracking technology in the background.1

Tracking cookies stay on your browser or device long after you've left a webpage. They follow you across sites over time, collecting information like your location and browsing history. They then transmit that information to third party companies, and those companies turn around and sell your data to even more companies you've never heard of.

The more data companies collect, the more dangerous it is for you. Bad data practices lead to leaks and hacks -- problems that affect millions of people every year.2

19 states have passed data privacy laws.

Since 2018, 19 states have passed consumer privacy bills that purportedly aim to protect people's privacy and security. Many of the bills that have passed, however, have been heavily influenced by companies, leading to significantly weakened consumer protections across the country.3

Of the 19 state privacy bills that have passed, nearly half fail to protect people's personal information. But the good news is: It's not too late to change course -- and some states already have.

Right now, California has the best examples of state privacy laws. California has established a specific new privacy agency, enacted a one-button push deletion mechanism, and lets consumers hold companies accountable in court for data breaches. Other states should follow suit -- and go even farther to protect our privacy.

Our full report has even more detail about the state of data privacy laws in 2025.

Every state could be doing more to ensure that its citizens' data is protected. But together, we're working toward making a safer and more secure future possible.

Thank you,

The team at U.S. PIRG Education Fund

P.S. All of our work to protect data privacy is made possible by supporters like you. Your donation today can help keep this campaign going strong.

1. "Should I hit "accept" on cookie pop-ups?," PIRG, January 18, 2023.
2. "The state of state privacy laws in 2025," PIRG, January 28, 2025.
3. Anna Edgerton, "Tech Lobbyists Don't Want States to Let You Sue Over Privacy Violations," March 20, 2023.

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